NICVA criticises training cuts

Press release for immediate use: 16 November 2004

The argument put forward by Barry Gardiner, Minister for Employment and Learning, to justify cuts to training programmes announced last week do not make sense, NICVA (the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action) said.

The economic environment in Northern Ireland is indeed changing but we still have a disadvantaged minority at the bottom – people who lack confidence, skills and experience and cannot break into employment. These are the very people who benefit from Worktrack, which DEL proposes to axe and from Enterprise Ulster.

“In addition, people who are seeking skills for employment use UfI learndirect, which the Minister also wants to cut back ,” commented NICVA Chief Executive, Seamus McAleavey. "It is nonsense to say we need a high-skill economy if we are cutting back the services that provide those skills .

“Mr Gardiner says people can still use New Deal to find employment but Worktrack is for people who are not eligible for New Deal. These people will continue to be a disadvantaged minority in our society ,” he added.

For more information please contact Paul Mc Gill, 0772 1746 805.