Other News In Brief

SDLP Launch 'Give It Back' Campaign To Retain UC Uplift

The SDLP has launching a campaign to stop the planned £20 weekly cut to Universal Credit.

The party has called on the British Government to reconsider its decision to take the £1,040 yearly uplift away from claimants at the start of October. In the absence of action in London, the SDLP has said that Sinn Féin Ministers Deirdre Hargey and Conor Murphy should step in and find the funding.

Welfare powers are devolved and it would cost just £55m, less than 0.5% of the Executive's budget, to retain the uplift for the rest of the financial year. The Communities and Finance Ministers have a duty to protect the worst off in society and find this relatively small sum of money.

SDLP Social Justice Spokesperson Mark H Durkan said: "The £20 weekly Universal Credit uplift was introduced to protect people who were struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately the pandemic is still going on, we are still seeing hospital admissions and deaths every single day and the economic fallout is far from over.

"134,070 people across the North are currently in receipt of Universal Credit and they cannot afford to give this money back, it has already been swallowed up by rising living costs. The cost of basic necessities is increasing, utility prices are up across the board leaving people struggling to pay their bills and heat their homes.

"Deirdre Hargey and Conor Murphy can do something about it. Rather than writing letters, they should be finding the resource to protect hard pressed families across Northern Ireland from this devastating cut to their income. Sinn Féin handed the Tories our welfare powers and stood back while they cut social security to the bone. It is about time they stepped up and found the £55m, less than 0.5% of our budget, to protect people here.

"People have been through a lot over the past two years, the pandemic has put pressure on people's physical and mental health, with many families pushed to the brink. The removal of this money could not come at a worse time, after many parents have been hit by huge costs as children return to school and right before Christmas. The British Government is letting our people down once again, the least we can do is try to thwart their efforts through any means possible. I'd be urging everyone, be they politicians, business leaders, community stakeholders and everyone with a social conscience to support our campaign and sign our petition to retain this uplift for the people who need it most."

New PwC Assured Skills Academy Announced

A new PwC Assured Skills Academy has been announced offering 20 high quality training places.

Announced by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons the new Academy focuses on professional services open to people with a Level 5 qualification and relevant experience, or a 2:2 degree in any discipline.

Successful applicants receive eight weeks of industry-relevant pre-employment training at Belfast Met and Ulster University. Participants who complete the training have the opportunity to gain industry-recognised qualifications.

Highlighting the opportunity, the Minister said: "I am pleased to announce another Assured Skills Academy with PwC, Belfast Met and UU. This is an excellent opportunity for people to join the largest firm of professional advisers in Northern Ireland.

"Developing the local skills base is a key element of our economic recovery. Assured Skills Academies have a very strong track record of success in upskilling people and helping them secure employment."

The Minister added: "Successful applicants to the Academy will receive £155 per week training allowance and travel expenses while they train. They will also be guaranteed an interview with PwC in Belfast on completion of the training."

New PUFFIN Crossing Announced For Lower Ormeau Road

A new pedestrian PUFFIN crossing is to be installed on the Lower Ormeau Road in Belfast, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced.

Minister Mallon said: "I am committed to ensuring our infrastructure is inclusive for all our citizens and I am pleased to announce that my Department will be delivering a new PUFFIN crossing on the Lower Ormeau Road.

"The crossing, which will be located near Farnham Street will improve road safety for pedestrians and in particular vulnerable road users such as children, the elderly, those who are visually impaired and those with a disability.

"This is a busy thoroughfare and also a thriving area popular with locals, visitors and students. With many residential properties and businesses running along its length the introduction of a PUFFIN crossing at this location will help everyone to access their homes, local shops and services safely.

"The crossing will also improve active travel opportunities in the area, providing safer access to those wishing to walk, wheel or cycle along the Lagan Towpath.

"I am confident that the new crossing will be welcome news for the community and visitors alike."

Works on the £40,000 scheme will commence this financial year, subject to contactor availability.