Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry and Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster have called on Belfast and Cookstown residents to have their say on a new strategic framework to tackle economic inactivity in Northern Ireland.

The Departments will be holding a series of stakeholder events across Northern Ireland to discuss the public consultation and see how government can support people not in work or actively seeking work.

'Enabling Success' proposes to focus on forms of economic inactivity caused by circumstances ranging from long-term health conditions and family or caring commitments, to a range of wider labour market barriers.

Minister Farry said: "The strategic framework is focused around several key themes, from increasing engagement and support for individuals to access government services more easily, to increasing job opportunities, addressing wider barriers and helping break the cycle of inactivity by doing more to help those most at risk of disengaging from the labour market.

"I would therefore strongly encourage all interested parties to take this opportunity make their views known to us. These views will be integral in shaping the final strategy, including its implementation, delivery and management."

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster added: "We need to develop new ways of encouraging more people into employment by developing incentives, working with employers, and creating training and employment opportunities. I therefore look forward to hearing the views of all interested parties on the direction and objectives of this new Strategic Framework."

(IT)