Dickson Calls for Social Partner Inclusion on Economic Advisory Group

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has called for the Economy Minister to include social partners in the newly announced Economic Advisory Group.

The Group made up of representatives from Northern Ireland businesses and industry will advise the Minister and Department on opportunities for economic development in the future.

Mr Dickson commented: “I was disappointed to see that the narrow membership of the group. Of course I welcome the participation of the those currently part of the group as they are leaders in business, however, I believe that we must ensure that we are inclusive in planning for a fairer future for all.

“Representatives from the Trade Union movement have told me that they are ready to engage on the issues facing our economy and ordinary people, so it seems strange to exclude the voices of workers, by having no trade union representatives. Furthermore, I am disappointed that our Social Enterprise Sector, which produces massive benefits for our economy and society, also has no representation.

“Therefore, I have written to the Minister to urge her to include both trade union and third sector representatives, to ensure that a full range of voices and needs are heard in planning for the future of our economy.”