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03/07/2002
Public Purchasing provides incentives to the unemployed
The first meeting of the newly established Public Sector Procurement Board has taken place in Stormont on Wednesday July 3.
The new Board is chaired by Dr Sean Farren, Minister of Finance and Personnel, and includes the permanent secretaries of all Stormont Departments, along with two external members. The Board was set up by the Executive to develop and monitor the implementation of procurement policy for the whole of the Northern Ireland public service, following a review of procurement policy initiated by the Department of Finance & Personnel.
Expenditure on procurement currently runs at £1.2 billion per year and covers purchases of supplies, services, construction, plant and machinery.
During the meeting the Board approved the details of a pilot scheme aimed at assisting the unemployed back into work through purchasing policy. The scheme will be tested over the next two years on approximately 20 construction and services contracts. The tenderer will be required to submit a plan with the tender stating how unemployed people will be utilised in work on the contract.
The definition of unemployed has been widened to include anyone from 16 to 65, who has not been in employment for the previous three months. This enables persons who are not claiming unemployment benefit, such as women returners, to be eligible for the pilot scheme.
The pilot scheme was recommended in a recent report by the Procurement Review Team who were tasked with identifying the scope to use public procurement to further local social and economic objectives. The first contracts under the pilot are likely to start early next year and the Executive will decide if the initiative will become an integral part of procurement activity.
(MB)
The new Board is chaired by Dr Sean Farren, Minister of Finance and Personnel, and includes the permanent secretaries of all Stormont Departments, along with two external members. The Board was set up by the Executive to develop and monitor the implementation of procurement policy for the whole of the Northern Ireland public service, following a review of procurement policy initiated by the Department of Finance & Personnel.
Expenditure on procurement currently runs at £1.2 billion per year and covers purchases of supplies, services, construction, plant and machinery.
During the meeting the Board approved the details of a pilot scheme aimed at assisting the unemployed back into work through purchasing policy. The scheme will be tested over the next two years on approximately 20 construction and services contracts. The tenderer will be required to submit a plan with the tender stating how unemployed people will be utilised in work on the contract.
The definition of unemployed has been widened to include anyone from 16 to 65, who has not been in employment for the previous three months. This enables persons who are not claiming unemployment benefit, such as women returners, to be eligible for the pilot scheme.
The pilot scheme was recommended in a recent report by the Procurement Review Team who were tasked with identifying the scope to use public procurement to further local social and economic objectives. The first contracts under the pilot are likely to start early next year and the Executive will decide if the initiative will become an integral part of procurement activity.
(MB)
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NI Economy To Grow In 2010
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25 September 2013
Ulster Unionist Motion On Public Procurement Welcomed
Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson, Sandra Overend, has welcomed the unanimous backing of the Assembly for an Ulster Unionist motion calling for more opportunities within the public procurement market for small and medium sized enterprises and the social economy.
Ulster Unionist Motion On Public Procurement Welcomed
Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson, Sandra Overend, has welcomed the unanimous backing of the Assembly for an Ulster Unionist motion calling for more opportunities within the public procurement market for small and medium sized enterprises and the social economy.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
