More help needed for local businesses in the wake of Prudential jobs scare - Ekin

12.08.31pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 16th Aug 2006

Belfast Alliance Councillor, Tom Ekin

Former Belfast Lord Mayor Tom Ekin has welcomed the announcement that 450 workers in the Prudential in Belfast that were going to lose their jobs, are to receive a reprieve. However, he stated that Northern Ireland would be in a better position to safeguard current employment and create new jobs if devolution were up and running again.

The Alliance Party Councillor said: "I am glad that a reprieve has been granted for jobs that were under threat at the Prudential in Belfast, however, we need to ensure that this type of scare is prevented in future, and that new employment opportunities are being created here. The best way to improve our economy would be to have devolution up and running in Northern Ireland.

"The DUP and Sinn Fein need to make progress on restoring devolution or else they must step aside and allow progressive parties to move the process forward.

Tom Ekin concluded: "These job threats also show dangers of Northern Ireland being dependent on multi-nationals corporations for employment opportunities. We must develop Northern Ireland's entrepreneurial skill base and encourage businesses here to develop and expand."

ENDS