Tragedy of young wasted lives
Thursday, 31 July 2008
East Londonderry tops young unemployed league table for Northern Ireland
Tragedy of young wasted lives
FEWER 16-24 year olds have jobs in East Londonderry than any other region of Northern Ireland.
According to statistics released by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment (DETI), just 36 per cent of young men and woman in the constituency are employed compared to a province-wide average of 52 per cent.
East Londonderry is one of only four areas where less than half 16-24 year olds have jobs, while in East Belfast the figure stands at 82 per cent.
However, some of the variation between constituencies reflects differences in the proportion of 16-24 year olds in other labour market categories, for example, unemployment, full-time education and other forms of economic inactivity.
The statistics are based on the 2006 Labour Force Survey - the latest year from which figures are available.
East Londonderry's position at the foot of the table is held jointly with the neighbouring constituency of Foyle.
According to local MLA David McClarty the figures are not necessarily bad news.
The UUP man told the Chronicle many more young people were being encouraged to go into further education - particularly in the borough of Coleraine.
“I don't think this should be regarded as a slight on our young people," he said.
“We have very good further education establishments here, and of course the university encourages people in this borough to stay in education."
Unemployment
And a DETI spokesperson confirmed the figures did not necessarily reflect high levels of youth unemployment.
However the SDLP's John Dallat said further research was needed to establish why East Derry's figure was so low.
“If it's the case that we have a higher proportion in education then we needn't worry too much," he said.
“But I suspect a large number have fallen through the education net. While we have excellent schools in East Derry there are significant numbers of school leavers not attaining the levels of literacy and numeracy required for a good job."
The Department of Employment and Learning told the Chronicle advice and support for the unemployed or economically inactive is available in Jobs and Benefits Offices and JobCentres throughout NI including in Coleraine.
"There is a wide range of provision available to assist these individuals to move into work," said a spokesperson.
“This includes the range of New Deal programmes, Pathways to Work which is targeted at supporting those with a health condition or disability to move into work and a range of provision which assists those with a disability to access work."
The department drew attention to its 'Training for Success' programme which specifically targets 16-24 years olds allowing them "to enter training at an appropriate level and maximise their potential "through achievement of qualifications, employment, individual tailored training, personal development and employability skills."
Finally, aimed at under-18s, the Job Ready scheme both addresses personal development issues and provides training.
“Young people requiring additional specialist support will be given every opportunity to overcome difficulties and to develop using the most appropriate support mechanisms.
“Once participants gain the recognised basic skills and qualifications, they are able to progress into the next level of Training for Success. Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships are available for all young people aged under 25," said the department spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the DUP's George Robinson praised the former DETI minister Nigel Dodds for securing investment worth £85million.
The East Londonderry assemblyman said he has already raised the issue of the constituency's economic development with Mr Dodd's replacement, Arlene Foster.
“I have told the Minister for the urgent need of investment in the East Londonderry constituency and know she is well aware of the urgency of the situation locally.
“I have been assured that East Londonderry will be promoted strongly to ensure that no stone is left unturned to attract the much needed investment and employment that we need.
