EU-Cash Aims To Boost NI Labour Market

A package of projects aimed at helping people into sustainable employment prospects has been highlighted at the NI Assembly, with a view to addressing the needs of those most disadvantaged in the labour market.

The Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey is encouraging organisations in Northern Ireland to apply for the latest round of European Social Funding (ESF).

“The Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme will help make progress towards increasing the overall employment rate and reducing local economic inactivity by extending employment opportunities, in particular for those groups at a disadvantage in the labour market,” he explained.

The Minister explained that £45.5 million of funding would be made available under the first call.

This represents the 65% that will be made available through the Programme. He said the remaining 35% match funding will have to be independently secured by the successful organisations.

This would be the first of two calls made by the Department for applications under the new Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme.

Applications will be invited from any legally formed relevant public, private, voluntary or community sector organisation.

“My Department wants to ensure that the new Northern Ireland ESF Programme is rolled out in April 2008.

“The invitation to submit applications is being made now so that organisations have plenty of time to prepare their proposals.

“It is essential that all applicants bear in mind that this is a competition and only those proposals that can deliver the Programme’s objectives and targets will be selected for funding.”