Rethink policies now plea

New research from the Nevin economic research institute (NERI) has confirmed the need for urgent action from the NI Executive parties.

The research shows that Northern Ireland’s workforce has suffered the greatest decline in household incomes.

Since 2007 there has been a big shift within the economy and labour market with many workers forced in to low-wage, temporary or casual employment.

“Our political leaders continue to ignore this reality and instead congratulate themselves on marginal improvements in the unemployment rate – a statistic that fails to capture what is really happening,” said Jimmy Kelly, Unite regional secretary.

NERI economists have raised concerns to the likely adverse impact of the Executive parties’ proposal to cut corporation taxes at the expense of even deeper cuts to public spending.

“Cuts to further education, our public transport infrastructure and environmental protection agencies will only undermine Northern Ireland’s transition to a modern, balanced economy. We are also in danger of losing an entire generation to emigration due to the lack of employment opportunities,” said Kelly.

Unite is in full agreement with NERI economists who say NI Executive need to re-think economic policy and focus on expanding manufacturing base.

“Instead of destroying public services to attain global tax haven status we need to see investment in our roads, rail and energy infrastructure.

“Tied to such a programme, roll out of the Living wage and wider social investment would stimulate economic consumption leading to wage-led growth of the economy,” he added.