Question Time: Employment and Learning, Tuesday 8 October 2013
Minister for
Employment and Learning, Stephen Farry, was eager to allay fears over zero hour
contracts in Northern Ireland during today’s topical
questions. He contested that they are not as widespread a problem as in the
rest of the UK but assured the chamber that his Department is doing research
into the issue and “looking closely at any policy changes that might happen in
Great Britain”. He also revealed his concern at employers that offer zero hour
contracts with exclusivity clauses, preventing workers from seeking further
employment in order to supplement their income.
During the scheduled
oral questions Minister Farry provided a review of capital investment in
Regional Colleges in the last 10 years. £262m worth of funding in that period
has seen the refurbishment of existing colleges, construction of new
institutions, compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act and the
addressing of any outstanding health and safety concerns. The Minister also
revealed the prospect of further investment in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon
with announcements anticipated in the coming months.
Mr Farry
also delivered an update on the Community
Family Support Programme, describing it as a welcome “good news story” for
the Executive. The programme aims to
support parents, help prevent younger family members falling into the NEET
category and help any young family members already in this situation to
re-engage with education, training or employment. A pilot scheme
involving 44 families has now been completed and the next stage of development
will see the initiative extended to a further 720 families. The pilot phase has
been deemed a success, confirming the effectiveness of the programme in helping
families “make life-changing decisions to enhance their prospects and become
full participants in society”. Testimonials have been very positive with one participating
family from East Belfast talking of how their lives have been turned around by
the scheme.
No comments: