Other News In Brief

More Needed To Tackle Gender Pay Gap - SDLP

The SDLP says much more is needed to tackle the ongoing gender pay gap than simply auditing businesses to ensure wage equality.

Spokesperson for Enterprise Patsy McGlone MLA Made the comments after the British Government announced it would force large firms to disclose data on staff pay.

He said: "When we talk about reducing the gender pay gap, people are quick to say that it's fallen to its lowest level in years. But while it's easy to put a spin on this story – the facts speak for themselves. Women are still on average paid 19% less than men in the UK.

"While action is certainly required to tackle this, simply trying to force large firms to publish data on staff wages is not going to deliver a result which benefits everyone in society.

"There is a reason why women are often in lower paid jobs – and I believe childcare is at the root of it. It is so expensive for families to use formal childcare settings that the Fawcett Society found women are far more likely to work in part time jobs. This is more typically a lower skilled and lower paid type of employment.

"When women make the choice to reduce hours to look after children they don't only cut back on their current pay, but their future pay and pensions too."

Flood Alleviation Project To Start In Donaghadee

NI Water is to start work to upgrade the sewerage network within the Donaghadee area at the end of July.

The flood alleviation scheme will be carried out in the area of the High Bangor Road, Newtownards Road and Moat Street. The construction work will include the relaying/relining of sewers within certain gardens and also on the public road. Customers will be notified as necessary if access to their properties is needed.

NI Water has also invited the local community to a 'drop in' information session at the Donaghadee Community Centre, 12 Railway Street Donaghadee, BT21 OHG on Wednesday 29 July from 4pm-7pm.

Members of NI Water project team will be available at any stage between 4pm-7pm to provide information on the project and discuss any issues local residents or business owners may have.

Concern After Masked Men Fire Shots Over Coffin

Alliance Justice spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has expressed concern after a number of masked men fired a volley of shots over a coffin during a funeral in Londonderry.

The incident took place during the funeral of Peggy O'Hara, whose son Patsy died on hunger strike in the Maze Prison in 1981. As her remains were returned to her home, three masked men fired guns over the coffin.

Mr Dickson said it was a disturbing episode.

"Masked gunmen have no place in our society and there is no way we can accept any type of paramilitary display, whether at a funeral or anywhere else. Police must fully investigate this incident."

(CD)