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Construction 'out of work 13,000' Construction 'out of work 13,000'
(about 3 hours later)
There are now more than 13,000 people from the NI construction industry out of work and claiming benefits.There are now more than 13,000 people from the NI construction industry out of work and claiming benefits.
That is according to the latest figures from the Construction Employers' Federation. That is according to the latest official government figures.
The CEF managing director, John Armstrong, said that this was just the tip of the iceberg.The CEF managing director, John Armstrong, said that this was just the tip of the iceberg.
He said: "Because of the high levels of self-employment, the number of people in the construction industry currently out of work is probably double that."He said: "Because of the high levels of self-employment, the number of people in the construction industry currently out of work is probably double that."
Mr Armstrong said that in six out of the 18 parliamentary constituencies, more than 1,000 people from the construction industry were claiming benefits.Mr Armstrong said that in six out of the 18 parliamentary constituencies, more than 1,000 people from the construction industry were claiming benefits.
In two constituencies, south Down and mid-Ulster, more than 50% of claimants were from the construction sector. In two constituencies, south Down and mid-Ulster, approximately 50% of male claimants were from the construction sector.
'Essential catalyst''Essential catalyst'
He said that the message to all political parties was to set out clearly in their election manifestos how they intended to help these people, and how they intended to support the construction sector.He said that the message to all political parties was to set out clearly in their election manifestos how they intended to help these people, and how they intended to support the construction sector.
"Investment in construction means building the schools, hospitals, roads, and housing needed to rebuild a modern and vibrant economy when the recovery comes," he said."Investment in construction means building the schools, hospitals, roads, and housing needed to rebuild a modern and vibrant economy when the recovery comes," he said.
He said that more than any other sector of the economy, construction was an essential catalyst for economic growth.He said that more than any other sector of the economy, construction was an essential catalyst for economic growth.
"Figures compiled towards the end of last year," he said, "show that every pound invested in construction generates £2.85 in other areas of the economy. "Figures compiled towards the end of last year," he said, "show that every pound invested in construction generates £2.84 in other areas of the economy.
"For every pound invested in road-building, the figure is closer to £4.50."
Mr Armstrong said the CEF was also concerned about the effect of the proposed cuts in public spending.Mr Armstrong said the CEF was also concerned about the effect of the proposed cuts in public spending.
"We hope that the Executive will not take the easy option of cutting capital spending and construction projects," he said."We hope that the Executive will not take the easy option of cutting capital spending and construction projects," he said.
"In the event that they do cut back on capital spending, the danger is that more companies will fail, and more jobs will be lost, along with the many of the skills required to sustain a healthy economy," he said."In the event that they do cut back on capital spending, the danger is that more companies will fail, and more jobs will be lost, along with the many of the skills required to sustain a healthy economy," he said.