Two reports into wage levels in Northern Ireland “underline the importance of creating more high quality jobs”, according to NI Conservatives’ spokesman, Mark Brotherston.
“The Nevin Economic Research Institute and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation have both published reports which demonstrate just how important it is to concentrate on creating quality jobs”, Mark explained. “The right response to low wages is to work harder to build an export driven economy, to deal with problems around planning law, to combat high energy prices and to make sure that workers have the skills required to attract quality jobs.”
“Northern Ireland has enormous potential and we have to make sure that we remain competitive. We have an excellent workforce, who are well educated and the challenge is to make sure we keep attracting inward investment. George Osborne has taken action in the budget to lift more people out of tax and the government is raising the minimum wage to help the lowest paid people. However the best way to tackle low wages will always be to attract quality jobs and ensure our workforce has the best skills.”