Help and Information for the Economic Downturn

Employment Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today launched information packs which provide practical help to employers and individuals affected by the current economic downturn. Speaking at the Job Fair and Advice Forum in Strabane, the Minister said: “We are all aware of the effects of the recession and my Department has a crucial role to play in supporting people through these difficult times.

“This Job Fair and Advice Forum builds on similar successful events in Limavady and Londonderry earlier this year and today local people can access employers, educational and training organisations and expert advisers under one roof.

“This is one example of the action we are taking to help alleviate the impact of the economic downturn in Northern Ireland.  The information packs I am launching today summarise the full range of measures which will benefit individuals and employers.

“The packs contain information and advice, offering solutions and opportunities to enable people to plan their future path with confidence.”
The information packs are widely available on the Department of Employment and Learning's website, www.delni.gov.uk, and also on the government citizen facing website, NI Direct www.nidirect.gov.uk, or by calling 028 9025 7781.  They will be distributed throughout the 35 Job Centres and Jobs and Benefits Office Network and also via the careers offices.

CAB welcomes the move by DEL to collate together all their different programmes and grants for people and employers to help cope with the downturn. Access to good quality advice and information has never been more vital and is particularly needed in these difficult economic times.  

As the consequences of the recession work their way through the Northern Ireland economy CAB across Northern Ireland are seeing an increased demand and are helping more and more people to help turn the difficult situations they face around.  There were 871 redundancy issues presented across the network in the first three months of this year (Apr - Jun 09). An increase of 74.5% on the same period on 08/09, when there were 499 redundancy issues. Also an increase of 328% from the same quarter 2 years ago (07/08) when there were only 265 redundancy issues presented to bureaux.

The provision and collation if information and advice for employees and employers alike is therefore vitally important, especially in the current climate.