Menu
25/02/2009
Jobs Boost For NI As Gem Expands
There was some good news this week as NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster welcomed a substantial number of new jobs in an established call centre organisation.
Gem, which currently employs 1,000 people, will fill an anticipated 900 new posts by 2012.
The company already provides a range of multi-channel, multi-lingual support services across three existing sites - Lanyon Place and East Bridge Street in Belfast and at Claremont International Business Centre in Londonderry.
But the additional jobs, aided by a £5.5m contribution from Invest NI, are to be created in other locations.
The move is expected to generate £14m in annual salaries with Invest NI offering £5.5m of support toward the investment.
Welcoming the announcement, the Minister said: "Once again, this region's cost competitiveness and strong talent pool has resulted in a major investment by an internationally successful firm.
"Gem will provide career progression opportunities coupled with the further development of professional, transferable skills.
"This is a great boost for NI at a time where the global economy continues to impact on local businesses and when many companies are deferring investment plans.
"It will see gem double its workforce to 1,800 and competitively position the company as it prepares to take full advantage of global opportunities as they arise," she said.
Meanwhile, NI Employment Minister, Sir Reg Empey, separately announced that people participating in government employment and training programmes will soon be eligible for higher levels of assistance towards childcare costs.
This new initiative comes into effect in April and will be made available to lone parents and partners of certain benefit claimants participating on the Department for Employment and Learning's Steps to Work, Training for Success and Pathways to Work Preparation programmes.
The Minister said: "Assistance towards the cost of childcare is an important factor in many lone parents and partners decisions to take part in employment and training programmes.
"This increase in the level of assistance will greatly help those with childcare responsibilities to join programmes such as Steps to Work, which will provide participants with the skills to find and sustain employment."
(BMcC/JM)
Gem, which currently employs 1,000 people, will fill an anticipated 900 new posts by 2012.
The company already provides a range of multi-channel, multi-lingual support services across three existing sites - Lanyon Place and East Bridge Street in Belfast and at Claremont International Business Centre in Londonderry.
But the additional jobs, aided by a £5.5m contribution from Invest NI, are to be created in other locations.
The move is expected to generate £14m in annual salaries with Invest NI offering £5.5m of support toward the investment.
Welcoming the announcement, the Minister said: "Once again, this region's cost competitiveness and strong talent pool has resulted in a major investment by an internationally successful firm.
"Gem will provide career progression opportunities coupled with the further development of professional, transferable skills.
"This is a great boost for NI at a time where the global economy continues to impact on local businesses and when many companies are deferring investment plans.
"It will see gem double its workforce to 1,800 and competitively position the company as it prepares to take full advantage of global opportunities as they arise," she said.
Meanwhile, NI Employment Minister, Sir Reg Empey, separately announced that people participating in government employment and training programmes will soon be eligible for higher levels of assistance towards childcare costs.
This new initiative comes into effect in April and will be made available to lone parents and partners of certain benefit claimants participating on the Department for Employment and Learning's Steps to Work, Training for Success and Pathways to Work Preparation programmes.
The Minister said: "Assistance towards the cost of childcare is an important factor in many lone parents and partners decisions to take part in employment and training programmes.
"This increase in the level of assistance will greatly help those with childcare responsibilities to join programmes such as Steps to Work, which will provide participants with the skills to find and sustain employment."
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
06 November 2018
Acheson & Glover Precast Ltd Enters Into Administration
Over 100 jobs are at risk at Acheson & Glover Precast Limited after the firm has been placed into administration. The building firm currently employs 105 people and 20 of the jobs are in Great Britain with the remainder at Ballygawley in Co Tyrone. The Group's other trading company, Acheson & Glover Limited will not be affected.
Acheson & Glover Precast Ltd Enters Into Administration
Over 100 jobs are at risk at Acheson & Glover Precast Limited after the firm has been placed into administration. The building firm currently employs 105 people and 20 of the jobs are in Great Britain with the remainder at Ballygawley in Co Tyrone. The Group's other trading company, Acheson & Glover Limited will not be affected.
01 September 2014
Care Centre Announces 100 New Jobs
A care home in Limavady is to create 100 new jobs. Cornfield Care Centre is to open a new 52-bed unit following a £3.4m investment. The care centre, which currently employs 120 people, has announced 80 full-time positions and 20 part-time jobs. The care centre is owned and managed by husband and wife, Jervis and Jennifer Nutt.
Care Centre Announces 100 New Jobs
A care home in Limavady is to create 100 new jobs. Cornfield Care Centre is to open a new 52-bed unit following a £3.4m investment. The care centre, which currently employs 120 people, has announced 80 full-time positions and 20 part-time jobs. The care centre is owned and managed by husband and wife, Jervis and Jennifer Nutt.
-
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.
