A Sinn Féin MLA has called on the Assembly to deliver more much-needed construction jobs - following the highest jump in unemployment figures in over twenty-two years.

Barry McElduff, Chairperson of the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee, said the devolved government has the ability to create more jobs in the ailing construction sector through capital spending programmes.

Mr McElduff said: "Sinn Féin are extremely concerned with the highest jump in over twenty years in unemployment figures.

"One of the key most affected groups of workers are those in the construction industry.

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"The Assembly have the ability to alleviate some of the burden upon the industry by bringing forward, as a matter of urgency, capital spending programmes from each Department."

The MLA said these programmes have already been agreed in the budget and the 'money is there'.

"This could lead to an injection of construction jobs into the labour market and relieve the stress and financial difficulty facing many of the workers and their families," he claimed.

"A clear example of one such project is the construction of a multi-sports stadium at the site of Long Kesh," Mr McElduff added.

However, according to recent reports, the Sports Minister Gregory Campbell is widely expected to scrap plans for a national stadium at the Maze site.

It is believed the Minister will resort to a 'plan B' - that could see funding divided between the three main sports - football, rugby and GAA - allowing them to reinvest in current facilities.

Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie previously told Build News Ireland her department was working to support the construction industry.

Ms Ritchie has already delivered a number of social housing schemes across the province.

(PR/JM)