05/09/2014

UUP Questions Increase In Temporary Employment

The Ulster Unionist Party has claimed that the number of temporary workers in Northern Ireland has increased by 16,000 over the past three years, amounting to a 47% rise in temporary contracts among the workforce.

Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann said he would raise the issue with Employment and Enterprise Ministers at Stormont.

He said: "My office has discovered that the number of temporary workers in Northern Ireland has increased by 16,000 over the past three years. This is a 47% increase. I intend to raise this issue with both the Minister of Employment and Learning, and the Minister Enterprise Trade and Investment at Stormont. It could be said that this increase - although somewhat welcome - shows the fragility and often temporary nature of the current jobs market in Northern Ireland.

"What is also notable is that the total number of people in employment over the same period increased from 801,000 to 821,000. This increase of 20,000 people in work has been widely welcomed; however it is worth reflecting on the fact that the vast majority of this increase has been workers entering temporary contracts.

"Whilst there has been a welcome and significant increase in the number of people in gainful employment, serious questions must be asked regarding the quality and permanency of the work."

(IT/CD)

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