Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has called on the economy minister and the British government to resolve the significant impact labour shortages are having on local businesses and the economy.

Speaking after the Assembly backed a Sinn Féin motion calling for action on the issue, the party’s economy spokesperson said:

“The negative impacts of Brexit and ending freedom of movement has created a labour shortage crisis for local employers who have lost and continue to lose skilled workers.

“This has impacted on the production of agri-food and food processing as businesses are finding it harder to get sufficient staff.

“A majority of MLAs stood for businesses and workers and called on the Economy Minister and British Government to resolve these issues and enable more people to come here to work.

“Sinn Féin will continue to push for a resolution as well as investment in upskilling initiatives and strengthening of workers’ protections so that people can access decent and properly paid employment.”