CONCERN….Phil Flanagan of Sinn Fein blames lack of jobs for rise in unemployment

FERMANAGH’S employment landscape has been dealt another blow after figures show the council area suffered a dramatic rise in the number of benefit claimants.

Newly released figures reflect the growing number of people out of work in Fermanagh with unemployment rates soaring by almost 10%.

It leaves Fermanagh peaking at the top of the claimant table, behind Larne which has risen by 13.3%, in terms of the number of extra claimants over the last 12 months.

Concerns over the figures have been mounting after it was revealed that Fermanagh is sitting well above the Northern Ireland average.

Neighbouring Omagh District Council recorded a drop in the number of claimants throughout the year which fell by 1.6%, while Derry council rose by just 0.1%.

The figures come on the back of the G8 Summit hosted in Enniskillen this week as the leaders of the eight richest countries came together to discuss world affairs.

A number of reasons have been cited to explain the dramatic rise of claimants in the local area, with some pointing towards those who have moved to the self-employment sector and “may not” be included in the figures.

However Fermanagh Sinn Fein MLA Phil Flanagan believes the lack of jobs and changes to the benefit system has had a knock-on effect to Fermanagh.

He said: “The fact we use claimant figures to measure the amount of people in work masks how bad the situation is.

“People, especially the young, are emigrating from Fermanagh because they can’t find work.

“Locals are being forced to come off Jobseekers allowance as they no longer qualify for it after the changes were made to the benefits system. People are moved from incapacity benefit to Jobseekers allowance and being forced in to look for work that isn’t there.

“There should be significant investment made into creating more jobs in rural areas as Fermanagh and other areas are being hammered.

“We were told that the millions being spent on tourism would create more jobs but tourism fell by 2.5% last year. Fermanagh never felt the benefits of this tourism investment,” he added.

Figures for Fermanagh District Council show that over the 12 months, there are an extra 183 claimants, or 9.8 per cent of the working population.

By comparison, the figures for Omagh District Council showed a reduction in claimants of 26 and, over the previous month, 51.

The claimant figures for May were – 1,138 men and 509 females, representing 4.8 per cent of the working population.

However firgures for Fermanagh area for May show that, compared to April, there were 23 less benefits claimants.

The total claimant figure comprised 1,471 men and 575 females, which represents, when combined, 5.1 per cent of the working population.

Ann Quinn, Economic Development Officer for Enniskillen, said there was a “drip feed” trend of unemployed locals.

She said: “Fermanagh has traditionally had a problem with long term employment in a sense that we are good at setting businesses up but there’s a problem with business growth.

“We have people who are very well qualified and those who aren’t and both seem to be struggling to find work.

“People leaving schools and university with an education are more equipped to find work but then we have people leaving school without any qualifications.

“And it’s very hard to get work without some sort of qualification.

“It’s not just for Fermanagh who has this issue but it’s right across Northern Ireland.

“In other towns we often hear off mass redundancies after a closure of a firm or factory.

“But in Fermanagh there is a drip feed of employers letting people go that we just don’t realise.

“We don’t get informed about it as they are so little, but it’s happening all the time.

“That’s just the way it is.

“If it was a big announcement with hundreds of jobs being created or lost then we would hear all about it but that hasn’t happened in a long time.” she added.

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY…Theresa Villiers in Fermanagh recently

Article submitted by  Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers…

“THE G8 Summit is a unique opportunity for Co Fermanagh. 

“As I stood by the Lough in the sunshine at the weekend, during the latest of many visits over recent months, I felt that the scenic beauty of Fermanagh would provide a really inspirational setting to do that.

It was David Cameron’s idea to bring the G8 here. He and I are determined to use it to promote Northern Ireland on the world stage.  And there’s no better setting to do that than Lough Erne.

“We want to ensure that Northern Ireland gets the best from the summit. We’re also looking at how to secure long-term benefits for trade, tourism, investment and jobs.

“The G8 leaders will be discussing big global problems. They have the potential to affect every single person in Fermanagh and Northern Ireland.

“Our focus is on three areas – trade, tax and transparency.

“On trade, we want break down barriers in order to deliver growth and prosperity. For example, we hope to launch negotiations on a free trade area between Europe and the US.  That could give a big boost to businesses and help us compete in the global race.

“On tax, we need to take international action to tackle aggressive tax avoidance. We’re on the side of people who want to work hard and get on in life, and that means making sure that big business pays its fair share of tax along with everyone else.

“And on transparency, we want to promote more openness on business and land deals, especially in developing countries, so that the public can hold their Governments to account.

“This will help ensure that local populations benefit from their country’s natural resources. That will create jobs and growth in the developing world, reducing the need for aid and helping to lift people out of poverty for good.

“There will inevitably be some disruption in Fermanagh due to necessary security measures.  And there could well be protests.  I know that the PSNI, are doing everything can to keep any inconvenience to a minimum.

“This is going to be a huge week for Fermanagh as it takes global centre-stage.

“I for one am looking forward to this fantastic opportunity to showcase Fermanagh to the world.”

The flags are still flying in Enniskillen

WITH just two weeks until the G8 summit, ‘ragged’ union flags still fly over one of Enniskillen’s main roads – and no solution appears to be in sight.

Local councillors have urged the removal of flags, with the main area of concern believed to be at Gaol Square in Enniskillen.

Though police have said that the removal of flags from poles, which are owned by the Roads Service, is not their responsibility.

Roads Service themselves said that it ‘discourages the unofficial use of any of its property’, and that, should they receive a complaint it will be fully investigated.

Sinn Fein Councillor, Debbie Coyle, said that the flags are ‘very unsightly as you enter the town’, and added: “With the expected crowds coming to Enniskillen during the G8 I would hope that the flags are taken down and all of our visitors, whether here to visit or protest feel comfortable and welcome in our town.”

When asked what the legalities surrounding flags being put on a pole in the first place, and what the police reaction would be if that was seen, the PSNI responded:

“The issue of the flying of flags can be a difficult and sensitive one.

“Police will continue to work with all the interested parties, elected representatives and the community, to support efforts to find solutions.

“We understand that flying flags is a popular way of displaying tradition and culture in Northern Ireland, but for a lot of people it is an emotive issue. We would urge engagement with all the relevant agencies towards finding a resolution.”

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the council the SDLP’s Frank Britton commended the work going on to improve the image of the town and said that with the unprecedented media coverage there was a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity for inward investment, jobs for young people and prosperity for everyone.

And, he appealed for the flags to be removed.

“Thousands of pounds are being spent, now I ask the people who own the flags to join the rest of the county and pack the flags away for now. Let us not parade our differences in front of the world’s media.”

UUP Councillor Robert Irvine echoed Cllr Britton’s sentiments, but said he wouldn’t like the message taken from the flags to be one of a divisive society, but rather one that shows ‘cultural diversity’ and a ‘stable, moving forward society’.

He hoped the message from Fermanagh taken away by the media would be a strength of unity.
“We have diversity, we’re not always in harmony, but we’re very much in unison,” he added.

CONCERN..Martin Maguire

AS THE end of the university year approaches, Fermanagh-born graduates must decide: do we stay or do we go?

Highlighted in a report released in January, by Fermanagh Economic Development Organisation (FEDO), the issue of graduate jobs and their availability was cited for major concern.

And, Martin Maguire, chairman of FEDO, this week described how few graduates being able to find first-time jobs remains a big issue in the county.

“Fermanagh is fortunate to have a variety of strong, export-oriented businesses which can offer employment to graduates in addition to other job-seekers,” he explained.

“However, the prevailing economic conditions remain challenging and, as a result, all too few graduates can find first time employment within the local labour market.”

Martin noted that while graduates who manage to get jobs outside of the county can bring that ‘employment experience’ back to the county, there are still concerns.

Iain McGonigle, an Enniskillen-born 23-year-old, who graduated in 2011, spent a year in Australia, before returning to the county where he has been left unable to find work that suits his degree, computer forensics.

“For me, finding work wasn’t really in the mindset when I started my course – it was more getting university done to move on to something else. Job thoughts didn’t arrive until final year,” he explained.

“Most of my friends who have graduated and came back to Fermanagh are finding some jobs in areas unrelated to their main degree.”

Iain said that he has managed to find ‘casual work’, however, getting a job has been ‘very difficult’.

“I don’t believe it is possible for me to have a career develop and stay in Fermanagh. I’ve managed to get casual work through an agency, but minimum wage can only do for so long.

“If you are willing to move anywhere there’s always something available, but it would be nice for the more rural counties to get more jobs for graduates,” he added.

Melissa Hale putting the finishing touches to the art work on the shutters of Saddlers Restaurant

IS THERE any end to the great G8 spruce-up? Now even shop shutters are getting paint jobs and English company Shutter Media is behind the latest ‘spruce-up’ scheme to brighten up buildings in the county ahead of the summit.

The vinyl images being placed on shutters of local businesses are all part of the council’s £450,000 Enniskillen ‘shop front scheme’.

“We’re doing it all around Enniskillen,” explained Melissa Hale, who works with the company.

“I’ve over twenty to do by the end of the month.

“A designer goes in and speaks to who ever owns the shutter with artwork, and it is approved.

“It’s then put onto the computer, and printed out in the production room.”

Once it’s been printed, the ‘fitting’ team will come and apply the vinyl.

Currently, Melissa said, there are four ‘fitters’ in Enniskillen who arrived on Thursday, which will increase to seven.

They offer a free quotation on all jobs with no obligation, their experienced and qualified staff will assess the job and quote accordingly, you can be sure that all work is done to the highest of standards, using the most up to date modern technology.

Pictured launching the G8 Summit Essential Information Newsletter are from left, Ian Proud, Thomas O’Reilly, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Chief Inspector Alywin Barton and Dr. Ronan O’Hare

NEXT WEEK every address in Fermanagh will receive essential information about the upcoming G8 Summit through the form of a newsletter being collated by Fermanagh District Council.

With input from a number of service providers and public sector agencies the newspaper will be delivered by post to every residential and business address in County Fermanagh between May 28 and May 31.

The 12 page newsletter provides important information for residents and businesses on what to expect around the time of the G8 Summit and how to continue to access local services.

Chairman of Fermanagh District Council Thomas O’Reilly explained that with the influx of people into the county it is natural to expect disruption and he hopes the newsletter will be a valuable resource to help things run as close to ‘business as usual’ as possible.

The newsletter provides key information on traffic and travel plans, access to health services and government services such as  the Jobs and Benefits Office, school transport and examination arrangements, bin collection plans and information on a programme of Family Day Out public participation events  taking place in June across Fermanagh.

As well as being delivered by post to residential and business addresses the newsletter will also be distributed to public and community venues including Fermanagh District Council facilities and available to download from the Fermanagh District Council website www.fermanagh.gov.uk from May 28.

People are further encouraged to keep updated by logging onto the official G8 Summit website www.g8ni2013.com

Pictured at the natural Gas Seminar in the Killyhelvin Hotel are from leftTom Elliott MLA UUP, Alastair Pollock Phoenix Natural Gas Maurice Morrow MLA DUP and Phil Flanagan MLA Sinn Fein

THE availability of natural gas in County Fermanagh could come as soon as 2014, it appears, following the visit of major natural gas provider to the county this week.

Natural gas powers hundreds of thousands of buildings across the North, however, has yet to become available in Fermanagh.

In January of this year, following a consultation earlier, the Stormont executive gave the green light to the expansion, with proposed ‘new’ areas including Dungannon, Cookstown, Enniskillen including Derrylin, Omagh and Strabane.

Now, a consultation entitled ‘Gas to the West’, and managed by the Utility Regulator and the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, is looking at how that could become a reality, and that consultation closes in just seven days time (May 29).

The paper seeks the views of interested parties on how the competitive process to award the necessary gas conveyance licence(s) should be conducted. It is intended that the necessary licence(s) will be granted in early 2014.

It is not yet known which companies will carry out the work, but Phoenix Natural Gas, who held the seminar this week, are one of the companies on record as having registered their interest in looking at the project.

“The big problem is that we have only three basic sources of fuel, one being oil, the other being electricity, and the other wood pellets,” explained SDLP Councillor, Frank Britton, who attended the event.

“But the majority of people are using oil and electricity as a main source,” he said.

“They can be expensive for people and are actually impoverishing people.”

Cllr Britton suggested that increased competition between big companies due to the introduction of natural gas could lead to a decrease in the cost of fuel as a whole – and appeared supportive of the idea.

“Natural gas would give people, certainly in Enniskillen, a third major option. The cost is said to be considerably cheaper, and it could do a lot to deal with extortionate pricing and help deal with fuel poverty,” he said.

And, he didn’t rule out the potential of natural gas in bringing jobs to the county.

“From a business point of view, anything that helps to reduce business costs would be welcomed.

“There could be a boost in jobs, it’s hard to quantify, but it could give business more buoyancy and sustainability which could only be a good thing in that regard.”

“It is anticipated that a new gas licence will be awarded in 2014 and the work on development of new transmission pipelines is expected to commence at that point. ”

The China City Chinese take-away where Chinese immigrants had been working illegally

CONCERNS have been raised over the issue of immigrants working illegally, following a raid by Home Office immigration officers on two Enniskillen premises.

Six Chinese nationals working in Enniskillen have been arrested and were taken into custody, to be deported back to their home country.

This week, Councillor Raymond Farrell was concerned that this ‘practice is still going on’, and questioned what impact illegal immigrants could have on locals looking for work.

Close to four percent of the county’s population were detailed as from outside of the UK and Ireland according the 2011 census.
Cllr Farrell said: “People who come in internationally come with a range of skills that they can offer but it has to be done in a proper fashion, both to protect the immigrant and to protect the local community and people who are looking for jobs but aren’t getting them because of immigrants working by illegal means.”

Late last week, Home Office immigration enforcement officers arrested six Chinese nationals, working in Enniskillen.

Three Chinese men, aged 25, 34 and 47, as well as a 34-year-old Chinese woman were arrested from the Hong Kong takeaway on Belmore Street, after it was discovered that they were working illegally.

Also on Thursday evening, two Chinese men, aged 27 and 43 were arrested for working illegally, from the China City takeaway on Forthill Street.

The businesses have each been served with a penalty notice for employing the illegal workers.

They were taken to held in Home Office detention in Larne, Co Antrim, where steps are taken to remove them to their home countries.

Mike Golden of the UK Border Agency, said: “Foreign nationals who are in this country illegally should be in no doubt that they will be found, arrested and removed from the UK.

“We are determined to crack down on immigration offenders and anyone found living or working here illegally is liable to be detained and removed.”

VISION…What the Ulster Canal could look like

THE restoration of 9 miles of the Ulster Canal, announced last week, was brought up at a meeting between Michelle Gildernew, MP and Collette FitzGerald, the new Head of the European Commission Regional Office in Belfast.

Ms Gildernew, who hosted the meeting, explained she had invited Ms FitzGerald to highlight local opportunities that required EU support.

“I felt it was important to illustrate the benefits of EU funding in the past, and the potential for the future. Among the beneficiaries is the Ulster Canal.

“When restored, it will have huge potential for both jobs and tourism in the south Ulster area. It will have a huge impact on the towns and villages in the canal corridor, leading to significant regeneration and benefits due to increased tourism, business development and prosperity in general.

“Then, of course, there are the many construction and ancillary jobs that would be created.”

Ms Gildernew said similar projects had shown a significant return, not only for the economy, but for people in the entire catchment area, with increased numbers of visitors, including recreational visitors, walkers, cyclists and canoeists.

As for the DoE approval, and Fermanagh council consent, she commented: “This is a major milestone for the Ulster Canal project, and all of our energies now need to go into securing the required funding to ensure that this project can progress without delay.”

Ms FitzGerald described the project as, ‘an excellent project which could have a positive economic and environmental impact on the region and create badly-needed new jobs’.

She wished it every success.