Other News In Brief

UUP Calls For Immediate Release Of Funds Of Public Sector Pay Increase

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has called for the UK Government to release the money required for public sector pay rises with immediate effect.

MLA Mike Nesbitt made the call amid speculation that the DUP will not agree to a restored Stormont ahead of Christmas.

Mike Nesbitt said: "The Northern Ireland Office has made clear that this year's public sector pay rises can be facilitated through a non-repayable draw-down from the Treasury Reserve. So, having conceded the point that the money has to be found to be fair to public sector workers, why should those workers continue to suffer because the DUP are not ready to get back to work?

"This is a case where we need to set aside the old negotiating position that 'nothing is agreed until everything is agreed'. It is both the right thing to do, and the practical thing to do as we watch increasing disruption from industrial action by those who feel they have no choice in order to highlight the injustice of their position."

New Data Analytics Assured Skills Academy Announced

A new Data Analytics Assured Skills Academy offering 10 high quality training places in partnership with Belfast Met, has been announced by the Department for the Economy.

Completing the course will guarantee participants an interview for a role with one of four collaborating companies.

Highlighting the opportunity, Graeme Wilkinson, Director of Skills at the Department for the Economy, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to get industry-desired pre-employment training and gain recognised qualifications in the exciting field of data analytics. Assured Skills Academies have a strong track record of upskilling participants so that they are well placed to compete for employment and we have four local companies supporting this Academy by offering data analytics roles.

"No experience in data analytics is needed. With a weekly training allowance of £175 for the duration of the Academy, as well as help with travelling costs and childcare, I encourage all who are interested and eligible to apply."

Topics covered in the Data Analytics Assured Skills Academy will include: understanding data; Excel in data analytics; how to store, retrieve, and manipulate data; and a data analytics challenge. It will also cover personal skills for IT professionals and problem-solving skills. Candidates who successfully complete the academy have the opportunity to achieve both Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals and Microsoft Power BI certifications.

Louise Warde Hunter, Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Met, said: "Belfast Met is delighted to partner with the Department for the Economy on this Assured Skills Academy which offers cutting-edge Data Analytics reskilling training to individuals seeking to enter this dynamic field with one of four local companies.

"This Academy will equip participants with lifelong skills essential for future careers. Our college is committed to supporting economic growth across Belfast and Northern Ireland. We look forward to supporting the development and success of a new generation of workers for this expanding area of the economy."

Data Analytics roles are available with four supporting companies:

• NIE

• Open Data Belfast

• Galvia Digital

• Academic Fish

Applicants must hold a degree in any subject or a level 5 qualification in an IT-related subject. No experience is required.

Training will commence on Monday 12 February and finish on Tuesday 9 April 2024. Applicants should be available for the duration of the training period. Applications are open now and close at noon on Tuesday 9 January 2024.

DUP Accuse TUV Of 'Undermining Unionist Negotiating Team'

The DUP has criticised the TUV for allegedly trying to "undermine unionist negotiating team" in their ongoing talks with the UK government.

DUP Deputy Leader Gavin Robinson MP said: "It is very clear that the focus of some is not on restoring Northern Ireland's place within the United Kingdom, but rather on weakening our collective strength as we negotiate with the United Kingdom Government, in the hope that a successful outcome for Northern Ireland and the Union is not secured and that there are no local Ministers and elected representatives exercising powers in Belfast.

"Over the course of the last few days a number of TUV members, including some TUV candidates who were rejected by the electorate in the Assembly election, have been witnessed erecting political posters in parts of Northern Ireland designed to attack and smear Northern Ireland's largest Unionist party. It is notable of course that they have spent a considerable amount of energy attacking and smearing the DUP for an agreement which has not been reached.

"Whilst these political posters have no details indicating who has published or printed them, we were aware from last week of them being in production. Jim Allister has stressed how important he believes unionism standing together in opposition to the Protocol has been. Can Jim indicate whether the erection of these posters attacking fellow unionists is an initiative directed and organised by his party or whether individual members of his party are acting unilaterally and without party endorsement?

"The DUP will not be intimidated or influenced by such shadowy behaviour from those afraid to identify themselves. We have a massive democratic mandate given to us by people right across Northern Ireland and it is that which gives us strength in our negotiations. Our negotiations with the Government are continuing and whilst progress has been made there remains some further work to be completed. For those who would dismiss the outcome of a process that is still underway, is further proof that their primary goal is to get rid of Stormont and hand all power back under direct rule to the very people who sold us all out!

"Not for the first time, the focus of elements of the TUV seems to be on undermining the unionist negotiating team rather than getting a better deal for Northern Ireland. On one level this is not a surprise given how little they have to show for years of crying in the wilderness. The unionist people at each election have got wise to those who they know have a plan for Northern Ireland, combined with the strength to deliver and those whose sole aim is to vote split, divide unionism and hand victory to our political opponents. Their harmful, shadowy and divisive tactics can deliver nothing."