The Ulster Unionist Party will today seek to amend a motion on unemployment rates when it comes before the Assembly. This follows on from the recent negative Labour Force Surveys which show that unemployment, youth unemployment and those claiming unemployment related benefits are worryingly high and showing no signs of improvement.

Economy Spokesperson, Sandra Overend, said:

"The worryingly high and ongoing rise in unemployment is causing increasing anxiety across Northern Ireland and it is therefore more important than ever that The Northern Ireland Assembly is seen to be addressing this issue in a timely and efficient manner. Too much of our time is devoted to debating trivial matters, when we should be concentrating on our number one priority which is the economy. Our unemployment rate is now above the UK average and we have almost 3,000 more people claiming unemployment related benefits than last year. Youth unemployment is also increasing with more than 1 in 5 of our young people finding themselves out of work – also above the UK average. These are the people that the Assembly must deliver for."

"The Ulster Unionist Party is seeking to amend the motion today for three reasons. Firstly, we are dismayed that Invest NI appeared to display an attitude of acceptance to the 760 job losses at FG Wilson given that their Chief Executive stated that he would have made the same decision if he were in charge."

“Secondly, we are concerned that there was no dedicated business start-up programme in operation here for over a year due to a legal challenge – a ridiculous situation to be in during these tough economic times."

"Finally, we call on the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to work with the Minister of Employment and Learning in making bids for the significant Barnett Consequential of £26.5 million arising from the Youth Contract announced by the Coalition Government. This is money which we will receive over the next three years and we believe that it should be spent specifically on tackling youth unemployment."