Major NI Jobs Announcements

Four major jobs announcements were made today, allaying some fears Northern Ireland could be worst affected by the UK recession.

Financial services firm First Derivatives is to create 110 new jobs in County Down.

The firms plans to expand its Newry base, where it already employees 110 people.

Chief Executive Brian Conlon said: "Our niche products and services continue to enjoy strong demand.

"Critical to this success has been innovation across all areas of the business, as well as significant investment in training and development."

The expansion has been backed by Invest NI and the Department of Enterprise.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster welcomed the announcement.

"This is extremely positive news from a home grown company at a time where many local firms are feeling the effects of the global economic downturn," she said.

Meanwhile, around 400 new jobs are to be created across the province by US sandwich chain Subway.

The company is expected to open 40 new franchises by the end of next year.

Subway now has more UK and Ireland outlets than fast food favourite McDonald's.

Seventeen new outlets opened in Northern Ireland last year.

Franchisee Andrew Johnston, who runs 13 stores, said: "It is a really positive sign that the number of new store openings is continuing to grow across Northern Ireland, especially as businesses face tough trading conditions."

These announcements follow on from the news that Belfast's Ten Square hotel is set for a £60m expansion, creating 75 new jobs in the city.

Proposals to build 85 new bedrooms, in addition to an underground swimming pool and conference facilities, are currently with the planning service.

Hotel manager Kevin Smyth said the project would created around 100 much-needed construction jobs.

"This is a massive investment and we look forward to the further growth and development of the hotel in the coming years as an asset to the city," he said.

Belfast received another employment boost today, with the unveiling of 50 new IT jobs.

ICS Computing recently secured three NHS contracts, worth around £2.5m, to provide payroll services to almost 17,000 employees.

The software and services provider said it would be increasing its 250 strong Belfast workforce to 300 staff.

(PR/JM)