The body representing building employers has called on the Northern Ireland Executive to spend every last pound in its budget for this financial year.

The Construction Employers' Federation, responding to yesterday’s spending plan announced by Finance Minister Nigel Dodds, asked for greater details on proposals for the sector.

CEF Managing Director John Armstrong said: "For the good of our economy we urgently need the Executive to convert these good intentions and positive sound bites into real construction jobs on the ground."

According to the CEF around 10,000 jobs have been lost in the sector since the downturn began to hit hard during the summer.

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The body has predicted a further 20,000 jobs could be shed in the New Year, if the industry does not accelerate.

Mr Armstrong said every job in the building sector contributes to the overall wealth of Northern Ireland.

"Already, thousands of people have lost their jobs in this industry and this is having a knock-on effect on the rest of the economy," he said.

Mr Armstrong claimed it was difficult to deduce what pieces of Mr Dodds announcement were new initiatives.

He said: "The construction industry needs the projects to be named, the construction value, when they will actually hit the ground and how they will be procured."

Despite welcoming the Executive’' move, the CEF also demanded more details on government support for apprenticeship programmes and funding for co-ownership schemes.

"It is more important than ever that the public sector breaks its tradition of underspending. Every pound available to spend in this financial year must be spent," added Mr Armstrong.

(PR)