Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has said that a well-paid and secure workforce is essential for building a productive and rewarding economy.

Mr Kearney was speaking following a recent report from Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre which suggested the north will need between 5,000 – 8,000 additional workers every year for the next 10 years, in order to grow the regional economy.

“Long term economic inactivity and retaining highly trained students and skilled workers are just some of the challenges we could face in the coming years.

“Failure to address any of the barriers to work or job training that are cited in the report, threaten the potential for economic growth which is forecast.

“The solutions must be based within a well-compensated, well-trained, and secure workforce, with strong workers’ rights protections, built into law.

“The Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill due to progress through the Assembly is an opportunity to shape our approach to this high-growth forecast.

“A good jobs programme must be integral to a productive, fair and competitive economy.

“This needs to be a regional economic base which ensures workers are paid fair wages, guaranteed secure employment, and provides workers and their families with a good standard of living.

“The Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill will be the most progressive employment legislation ever introduced in the north.

“With cross-party support it can help build a strong and productive workforce for the future, with workers’ rights, union recognition and collective bargaining at its core.

“This is the best foundation for growth and productivity within the all-island and world economies; and crucially, one which also rewards workers and families, trade unions and employers, and our local businesses.”