Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry and Health, Social Services and Public Safety Minister Edwin Poots have highlighted the role of social clause contracts in moving people into employment.

The Ministers were speaking after meeting two local unemployed women who both gained employment as a direct result of a successful work experience placement with the Graham-Bam Healthcare Partnership at the Ulster Hospital.

The placements are aimed at unemployed people who wish to gain valuable work experience and are delivered by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) through its Steps to Work Programme and Youth Employment Scheme.

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Minister Farry said: "This is a further example of joined-up Government delivering real results for the people of Northern Ireland. I commend Graham- Bam Healthcare Partnership for their willingness to embrace my Department's work placement schemes and commend them for their foresight in recognising the untapped potential that exists among the unemployed.

"My Department's Steps to Work and Youth Employment Schemes provide a comprehensive range of assistance to help the unemployed to find work, and has provided the Ulster Hospital Project with a tried and tested route to delivering tangible social benefits for local communities."

Health Minister Edwin Poots said: "I am impressed by the significant numbers of opportunities created on this project by Graham- Bam and its supply chain, and commend Graham- Bam for their commitment to implementing this Programme for Government initiative.

"I am also pleased to note that all capital construction projects in the Health, Social Care and Public Safety (HSC&PS) sector contain the same social clauses which created these opportunities for the unemployed, trainees, apprentices and students."