Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said we need to use all the tools available to protect jobs and create new ones in economic recovery from Covid19.

Speaking on forecasts which show the north’s economy approaching recovery by 2023 but not seeing jobs lost as a result of the pandemic replaced until 2024, the party’s economy spokesperson said:

“The focus of the economic recovery needs to be on jobs which are secure and well-paid; businesses need to be supported to protect existing jobs and create new jobs.

“We need to be using all the tools available to us to drive our economic recovery which means maximising the benefits of our unique status under the protocol and continued access to the EU single market.

“Reports that references to the opportunities of the protocol were dropped from an initial draft of the Economy Minister’s ’10X Economy’ strategy show a blinkered and insular approach which is not what is needed in driving the type of recovery we need.

“It is simply not good enough for any Economy Minister to ignore opportunities which exist because it doesn’t fit their political narrative.

“There needs to be a change of approach from the DUP in the economy department to build on the potential that exists under new the trading arrangements, to support businesses to respond, and to create jobs and investment opportunities.”