Other News In Brief

Alliance Welcomes Workplus Apprenticeship Campaign

The Alliance Party has welcomed an announcement of 100 new apprenticeship opportunities from Workplus, with Economy spokesperson, Sorcha Eastwood MLA, encouraging young people and those looking for a career change to consider an apprenticeship this year.

Welcoming the announcement of the 'Get a Head Start' campaign, the Lagan Valley MLA has said: "We need more people to consider apprenticeships at all stages of their careers. Crucially, I would also, in turn, call on employers to consider getting involved and offering apprenticeships to fill vacancies. There is a lot of support on offer to employers, whatever sector they are in, if they are willing to take on apprentices.

"The latest Employer Skills Survey showed there were nearly 40,000 vacancies in Northern Ireland, 13,700 of which were deemed skill-shortage vacancies.

"These numbers demonstrate clearly how important it is for us to be supporting skills development and employers wherever we can, and promoting the taking up of apprenticeships is one critical way we can do this."

Impact Of Strike Action Will Be 'Far Reaching' – UUP

The impact of upcoming and widespread strike action will be "far reaching", UUP Infrastructure spokesperson, John Stewart MLA, has warned.

Thousands of members of five unions in Northern Ireland will take part in a 'Generalised Day of Action' on Thursday 18 January.

Mr Stewart said: "As the spectre of strikes looms large across Northern Ireland this Thursday, the focus turns to the challenges faced not only by Translink employees who feel compelled to strike but also the collateral impact on families and small businesses caught in the crossfire. The current impasse, characterised by the lack of a Stormont Executive and the ensuing funding deadlock, is an issue that demands attention from both the DUP and the Westminster Government.

"First and foremost, the plight of Translink employees cannot be ignored. These hardworking individuals are at the frontline of public transportation, ensuring the smooth functioning of a critical service that binds communities together. The decision to strike is not taken lightly, and the grievances that lead to such actions often stem from an accumulation of unaddressed concerns. Whether it be issues related to pay, working conditions, or broader concerns about job security, Translink employees find themselves facing challenges that they believe warrant a strong response.

"However, the impact of a strike extends far beyond the immediate concerns of the workforce. Families relying on public transportation to commute for work, education, or essential services will inevitably face disruptions. The elderly, the disabled, and those without access to alternative transportation options may find themselves disproportionately affected.

"Additionally, small businesses, who are already suffering from the normal drop in sales during January, depend on the regular flow of customers facilitated by public transport will see a decline in footfall, potentially jeopardising their livelihoods.

"In the midst of this turmoil, it is imperative to address the root cause of the funding deadlock. The failure to form a Stormont Executive is a serious concern, and the DUP must recognize the gravity of the situation. It is a dereliction of duty to withhold approval for the formation of an Executive that can address the pressing issues facing Northern Ireland, including the allocation of necessary funds for public services.

"Equally troubling, however, is the inaction of the Westminster Government. While the power to release agreed funding directly to departments lies within their grasp, their passive approach to the Northern Ireland situation is unacceptable. The people of Northern Ireland deserve decisive action from those in power, and the Westminster Government cannot afford to sit idly by, watching Northern Ireland descend into chaos.

"The need for a collaborative and responsible approach cannot be overstated. Both the DUP and the Westminster Government must prioritize the well-being of the people of Northern Ireland over political posturing. A failure to address the issues at hand not only perpetuates the suffering of Translink employees but also places an undue burden on innocent families and small businesses."

DUP Calls For Action On Bank Closures Across NI

The DUP has called on the Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, to take action on the number of bank closures across Northern Ireland.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said: "Over the last decade we have seen a large number of bank branches closing in our towns and villages across Northern Ireland indeed across the whole of the United Kingdom. Bank branches were regarded by many as being very much part of the social fabric, especially in rural areas. I like many, am concerned about the impact bank branch closures will have on elderly and vulnerable people, who may be less likely to use online services, and independent businesses in our towns and surrounding villages.

"I have raised with the Secretary of State the need for financial institutions to look at how they can develop more banking hubs across Northern Ireland. The first banking hub was recently opened in Kilkeel. The banking hub concept is a shared service that operates in a similar way to a standard branch, with a counter service run by Post Office staff where customers of almost any bank can withdraw and pay in cash, pay bills and carry out regular transactions. There are also private spaces where customers can speak to someone, with trained specialists from different banks available on different days. Given the cost of living pressures that persist there is a need for support being available to customers regarding their finances and is a vital service.

"We need to see banks signing up to offer more of these hubs across Northern Ireland, while they are not exactly the same as each individual bank having a location on the High Street, it is better than no presence whatever. It also would help in the seemingly relentless move towards a 'cashless society'. Hopefully both the Secretary of State and the financial institutions thermselves will act to protect both customers and small businesses alike."