Other News In Brief

SDLP Highlights Ongoing Dysfunction of The Executive

The Executive's failure to deliver their Programme for Government as planned underlines the dysfunction within it, SDLP Opposition Leader, Matthew O'Toole, has said.

Speaking after a meeting of the Executive on Wednesday was postponed at the last minute, the South Belfast MLA said: "The Executive's Programme for Government (PfG) has already been subjected to massive delays and has now been postponed at the eleventh hour due to squabbling around the Executive table. They have had three years to work on this – it's more than 1000 days since the last election, these parties have met continually since to discuss priorities and the PfG draft brought to the Assembly last year was full of half-baked and re-heated ideas that fail to address the serious challenges facing public services in Northern Ireland. They are now struggling to get even that over the line.

"This farce typifies the dysfunction we have seen since the return of the Stormont institutions last year. Despite all the promises that were made to the public our health waiting lists are getting longer, families' childcare bills are getting more expensive and poverty and homelessness continue to rise. Nobody expected the Executive to work miracles, but delivering a budget or PfG on time shouldn't be too much to ask.

"The latest public fallout among Executive parties shouldn't be allowed to detract from the collective responsibility they share for their inability to begin the process of reforming the institutions despite repeated challenges from the SDLP Opposition. It is disappointing that the reason for this final delay is the Alliance Party, who despite attempts to separate themselves from their Executive colleagues must bear some responsibility for the failure that has permeated this Executive since its return."

UUP Condemn Masked Protested At DPCSP Meetings

The UUP has condemned masked protestors who disrupted two meetings of the District Policing & Community Safety Partnerships (DPCSP).

UUP Board Member, Alan Chambers, said: "Given the important role that DPCSP's play, it is disgusting to learn that sinister attempts were made by masked protesters to disrupt the proceedings of a statutory public meeting at St Comgall's in west Belfast on Monday, and another meeting in north Belfast on Tuesday afternoon in Girdwood Community Hub.

"I understand that many of those attending both meetings felt threatened and intimidated. I am pleased that the meetings were able to be moved to other rooms and take place while the protesters were eventually evicted. "Peaceful protest, that is not disruptive, is acceptable but thuggish behaviour, by those wearing masks and who are intent on intimidating participants, is totally unacceptable.

"Hopefully police investigations will be able to identify those protesters who broke the law and bring them before a court to account for their behaviour."

Belfast Business Promise Celebrates Inclusive Employers

More than 50 organisations have joined the Belfast Business Promise, an accreditation scheme promoting fair pay, good jobs, and secure contracts, developed by Belfast City Council.

The initiative aims to create a community of businesses with high ethical standards through employment, procurement, and community partnerships. Organisations can achieve three membership tiers: Supporters, Members, and Ambassadors.

On February 27th, 2025, participating organisations gathered at Belfast City Hall to celebrate those achieving 'Member' and 'Ambassador' accreditation. Advice NI, the Labour Relations Agency, and the Department of Economy celebrated achieving 'Ambassador' status.

Belfast City Council announced a two-year JAM Card (Just A Minute) bursary to support organizations joining the Belfast Business Promise. Up to 80 organisations will be supported to become JAM Card friendly, enhancing inclusivity for individuals with disabilities and communication challenges.

"The Belfast Business Promise is a key part of Belfast City Council's commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic growth which is at the core of the Belfast Agenda, the city's community plan," said High Sheriff Councillor Fiona McAteer. "There's undeniable potential to deliver lasting positive social impact through a procurement policy which supports social enterprises, co-operatives and suppliers who have sound ethical practices."

She also highlighted the council's commitment to the Real Living Wage and its Social Value Procurement Policy, ensuring contractors pay the Real Living Wage.

Department for the Economy Permanent Secretary Ian Snowden said, "The Belfast Business Promise aligns extremely well with the Economy Minister's Economic Vision, which includes the goal of delivering good jobs for everyone. By focusing on issues like the Real Living Wage, ending the use of zero-hour contracts, flexible working arrangements and reducing exploitative employment arrangements, the Promise can help achieve that goal."

He also noted the Promise's encouragement of decarbonisation efforts, supporting the circular economy, and creating climate action plans. "I'm delighted DfE has achieved 'Ambassador' status and I would encourage businesses and other public sector bodies within the Belfast region to strongly consider this initiative," Snowden concluded.