Belfast City Council Named 'Employability Champion'

Belfast City Council has been hailed as an 'Employability Champion'.

The recognition was given at a showcase event in Belfast Waterfront – celebrating the Northern Ireland Impact Awards 2014.

The award was presented by Business in the Community to the organisation that best supports unemployed people. Belfast City Council was one of only three finalists and is delighted to have been recognised for its contribution to supporting the long-term unemployed across the city.

Councilor Deirdre Hargey, Chair of the Development Committee, said: "The council is committed to delivering employability initiatives for all, especially those furthest removed from the labour market.

"We will continue to provide opportunities at no additional cost to ratepayers and, I am delighted that the Council's efforts have been endorsed by receipt of the Employability Champion Award.

"This along with the Council's recent decision to become the first 'living wage' Council in Northern Ireland underlines our commitment to supporting the economy through responsible employment practices."

Belfast City Council launched its £150m Investment Programme in February 2012 to help boost the local economy, support businesses, create employment and training opportunities and provide important economic infrastructure.

The initiative was supported by all political parties on Belfast City Council, demonstrating collective city leadership to address the key economic, social and physical challenges facing the city. As part of this Investment Programme, the Council identified the need to support people in all parts of Belfast to develop the skills and experience necessary to secure jobs, particularly young people who have been badly impacted by the economic downturn.

(CD/JP)