Ulster Unionist Economy Spokesperson, Sandra Overend MLA commented on the news today of job losses and job creation,

“The economy in Northern Ireland continues to have mixed fortunes as today we hear of the loss of 13 ‘GAME’ shops and approximately 110 jobs, while on the same day Diageo is creating an additional 39 jobs.

The continuing trend of online shopping is making it more and more difficult for retailers to survive within such a competitive market.

Our young people, the biggest customers of GAME products are feeling the pinch, just the same as the rest of the population, and are most likely to be computer savvy and therefore willing and able to shop around for the best deals available.  Furthermore, I would suggest that second-hand markets and swap-sessions for these particular items are becoming much more commonplace.

The loss of 110 jobs across Northern Ireland is quite a significant number and will add to the already difficult task of the Executive of reducing unemployment  figures.  While all the time, that target of promoting 25,000 jobs within the Economic Strategy, will, in all likelihood, end up being an underestimation of the number needed.

 The creation of 39 additional jobs within the Diageo factory in South Belfast is very much welcomed and is another boost for Northern Ireland’s Food and Drink Industry, an industry which has great potential to grow even further.  I hope that the Food Strategy Board which is yet to become fully operational will be given the scope to enlarge on the success of Northern Ireland’s biggest industry, and build upon the great work of those within the food and drink sector.”