Rise In Redundancy Payments

Payments and awards made to workers in employment rights cases are to rise in line with inflation.

An Order made by the Department for Employment and Learning brings these new limits into operation from 14 February 2016.

Minister for Employment and Learning Dr Stephen Farry said: "The increased limits relate to a range of employment rights including statutory redundancy payments; the basic and compensatory awards for unfair dismissal; the limit on guarantee payments made when employees are not provided with work; and the minimum basic award for unfair dismissal in health and safety and certain other cases."

RHI Schemes To Open Until 29 February

The announcement that the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) schemes will open until 29 February before they close has been welcomed by Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy.

Mr Murphy said: "The Enterprise, Trade and Investment minister had initially planned to close the scheme earlier, which would have caused tremendous difficulties for those currently involved in preparing applications.

"I discussed this with the minster and urged him to keep the scheme open to allow those applications to be completed and thankfully he has now done so.

"This will mean the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme will remain open for two weeks after the minister's proposed closure date."

Funding For Strandtown Primary School Welcomed

Alliance East Belfast MLA Judith Cochrane has welcomed the allocation of £4 million to a local primary school.

Strandtown Primary School has been given the money under the Department of Education's School Enhancement Programme. The funding will be used to construct 12 new classrooms to address existing under-provision at the school.

She said: "I commend the Minister for making a commitment to this unique educational setting. With his recent approval on admissions numbers, and now the necessary capital works, he has shown his confidence in the educational provision at Strandtown. I am sure when the recent inspection report is finalised, it will reaffirm that this has been a good decision."

(CD)