AQO 1523/22-27

Mr Peter McReynolds
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 30/01/2025
Answered On Date: 10/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline what work he is undertaking with the Minister of Health to reduce levels of ill-health related economic inactivity.

Answer:

Question 14 – AQO 1523/22-27

Economic inactivity is an important policy area, led by the Minister for Communities. I am committed to working with him and Executive colleagues, including the Minister for Health, to help address barriers to employment. We are working closely with the Department for Communities on the Executive’s Disability and Work Strategy which has this issue at its core.

My Department plays a key role through provision of skills programmes which aim to make skills and education more accessible, including for those experiencing additional barriers such as disability or illness.

We also recently consulted on a Good Jobs Bill which aims to help those with ill health, and those caring for dependents suffering from ill health, to remain within or access the workforce.

In addition, the social enterprise action plan’s focus on leadership support will increase the capacity of the sector as it continues to support those furthest from the labour market into meaningful work.