New Professional Services Assured Skills Academy Announced

A new Professional Services Assured Skills Academy with PwC has been announced by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons.

Working across a range of service offerings including financial crime, compliance testing, customer management, PMO services and business operations the Academy is open to people with a 2:2 degree in any discipline or a Level 5 qualification (HND or Foundation degree) and some experience in an office, banking or professional environment.

The Assured Skills Academy will see 20 participants receive eight weeks of high quality industry-relevant pre-employment training delivered by Belfast Met.

Commenting on the Academy the Minister said: "I very much welcome the opportunity to highlight another Assured Skills Academy with PwC. This is an excellent opportunity for people seeking to start or change career in the professional services sector.

"I am committed to building the local skills base as a key part of the economic recovery and Assured Skills Academies have a proven track record of success in this area. This Academy, funded by my Department, will provide the skills needed for participants to start a career in financial services.

"Successful applicants to the Academy will receive £155 per week training allowance and will be strongly positioned to compete for a job upon completion. I urge anyone who is eligible and interested to apply for this exciting opportunity."

Applications for the PwC Professional Services Academy are open now and will close on 6 March 2002.

As restrictions ease training is likely to be a blend of onsite and online learning. Successful applicants will require appropriate IT access in order to link to the online tuition.

Video interviews will be held on 15, 16 and 18 March 2022 and training will commence for successful applicants on 11 April.

Glenavy Road Works Announced

Infrastructure Minister, Nicola Mallon, has announced an £87,000 resurfacing scheme on Gobrana Road, Glenavy.

The resurfacing scheme, which stretches from the A26 Moira Road to the Crumlin Road for 0.6 kilometres will deliver significant benefits for road users and should be fully completed by 1 April 2022.

Minister Mallon said: "This significant investment will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of the road network to the benefit of local residents and those who travel through the area. I would like to thank the public and local residents in advance for their cooperation and ask that they comply with all temporary traffic restrictions while these much needed works are completed."

Subject to favourable weather conditions all work will be completed by 1 April 2022, however, the Department will keep the public informed of any change.

All work will be carried out in line with current public health and health and safety advice, with safe systems of working in place for staff and contractors.

Proposed Minimum Unit Pricing For Alcohol

Health Minister Robin Swann has launched a new public consultation on the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing for Alcohol into Northern Ireland.

Calling for input on the proposed minimum unit pricing, Minister Swann said: "Research has shown that the full social cost to the Northern Ireland economy of alcohol-related harm could be as high as £900m per year, with up to £250m directly borne by the Health sector alone and a further £383m borne by the Justice sector. However, this financial burden can never fully describe the incalculable impact that alcohol related harm has on our Society.

"The evidence is quite clear that price is a key factor in driving alcohol-related harm. Alcohol is 74% more affordable now than it was 30 years ago, and the availability of alcohol at very low prices is encouraging excessive and, most importantly, harmful consumption.

"Now I want to hear the views of the public and I would urge everyone to have their say and respond to this consultation."