Great to have Cara Lily Hillis (Rathfriland High) with us for Day 2 at JMPR!
She explored:
• Social content
• Client brand, tone & values
• Using AI to boost creativity
“I enjoyed learning how to use AI & the creative work.”
Another great day - see you for Day 3
Day 1 at JMPR Ltd!
We’re delighted to welcome Cara-Lily Hillis from Rathfriland High School for work experience.
Cara says: “I’m really excited to learn more about public affairs & get involved in creative marketing.”
A great intro into a world of comms
#WorkExperience
Health & Communities Ministers have launched ‘Designing Homes for All’ - a new guide promoting inclusive housing design for people living with cognitive & sensory impairments.
A positive step towards safer, more accessible homes across NI. Visit https://t.co/TsekNVgFv9
Just received 'Open to Work' by Ryan Roslansky.
Excited to dive into how we can get ahead in the age of AI & more importantly, how we can help organisations embrace change, build future-ready skills, & unlock new opportunities. Learning never stops.
#AI#FutureOfWork#Leadership
Proud to have supported @niacro to amplify the lived experiences of mothers & families impacted by the justice system. Today we filmed powerful insights on maternal imprisonment ahead of
@deptjusticeNI Mothers in Justice conference. #FamilySupport#ReducingCrimeImpact
Our veterans served with honour, they deserve to be treated with the same.
Last week Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA and Westminster reps Robin Swann MP, Lord Elliott and Lord Empey met with Armed Forces Minister Al Carns MP and Veterans Minister Louise Sandher-Jones MP. Concerns were raised about the NI Troubles Bill and the need for protections for veterans who acted lawfully, as well as the support and services available to those who have served and are currently serving in our Armed Forces.
The Ulster Unionist Party remains committed to standing up for those who have stood up for us.
Allen welcomes Final Stage passage of Sign Language Bill
Ulster Unionist Communities Spokesperson Andy Allen MBE MLA has welcomed the Final Stage passage of the Sign Language Bill, which will now proceed for Royal Assent.
Andy Allen said:
“This is an important and welcome milestone, many years in the making. The passage of the Sign Language Bill at the final stage marks a significant step forward in recognising and supporting the deaf community across Northern Ireland.
“This legislation formally recognises British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language and places duties on the Department for Communities to promote their greater use and understanding, and on prescribed organisations, which will be set out in regulations, to take reasonable steps to ensure the information and services they provide are as accessible to individuals in the deaf community as they are to those who are not. Those duties will be supported by guidance/action plans, reporting requirements and oversight arrangements to promote consistency in delivery.
“I want to acknowledge the work of the Minister and departmental officials in bringing this legislation forward, engagement throughout and guiding it through the Assembly.
“Crucially, members of the deaf community have been at the heart of this process. Their engagement and willingness to share lived experience have helped shape the Bill, both in its development and through the committee and wider legislative process.
“The Committee Stage provided an important opportunity to test and strengthen the legislation. That process has been constructive and has helped improve the final Bill. I also want to pay tribute to the Committee staff for their thorough work in supporting scrutiny and assisting members throughout that important legislative stage.
“As the Bill now moves to Royal Assent, the focus must turn to implementation. The key thing is that the measures in the Bill are properly resourced and clearly understood across government and beyond, so they can deliver the intended positive impact promptly.
“I have no doubt the Committee, for the remainder of this mandate, will continue to follow implementation closely, and I trust the next Committee will maintain that focus and ensure the commitments in the legislation are fully delivered.”
WATCH: Following his trip to Brussels with the Windsor Framework Scrutiny Committee, Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA raises the alarm £100 million in new taxes, no accountability, no consent. The people of Northern Ireland didn’t sign up for this.
A statement so plainly obvious that it shouldn’t even have to be said. The governments handling of legacy has been shameful. I told the Secretary of State that on Tuesday in London. The UUP stand by our veterans and former police officers who served their country.
Burrows warns teacher burnout crisis unsustainable after report finds 91% affected
Responding to a new report revealing that 91% of Northern Ireland teachers experience moderate to high work related burnout, with 46% considering leaving the profession, Ulster Unionist Party Leader and Education spokesperson Jon Burrows MLA said:
“These figures are deeply troubling but, sadly, not surprising having engaged with many teachers up and down the country. Teachers and classroom assistants are being asked to do more with less, and the stress and burnout levels are significant. We have the best teachers we could ask for, but they need better support, and classroom assistants in particular deserve better pay and professional accreditation. Many teachers and classroom assistants increasingly work with children with additional needs and it is important for both the pupil and teaching staff that there is the corresponding increase in training and resources.
“The pace of change and the sheer volume of consultations landing on schools is dizzying. Change is necessary, but it must be implemented with sufficient time for proper consultation and adjustment. I have already raised in committee the issue of the Education Authority sending masses of information to principals every week, and I am writing to the EA again to press for this to be properly streamlined.
“These pressures are further compounded by insufficient substitute teacher availability and ongoing problems with the NISTR IT system for accessing cover staff. We cannot have a serious conversation about tackling burnout without addressing the bureaucratic burdens and broken infrastructure that are making an already difficult job unsustainable.”
Ulster Unionist Party Deputy Leader Diana Armstrong MLA has responded with alarm to a BBC News report revealing that more than 500 women are advertised for sex daily in Northern Ireland.
Diana Armstrong MLA said:
"These figures are deeply unsettling. Hundreds of women being advertised for sexual exploitation every single day, right here in Northern Ireland, is not a statistic we can look past. Behind every number is a real person, often vulnerable, often without a voice.
"As a woman in public leadership, I am not prepared to accept that this is simply the way things are. We have legislation on the books that was meant to tackle this. The question being raised is whether it is being enforced with the full force it demands, and that question deserves a direct answer.
"I will be writing to the Justice Minister and the Chief Constable to ask what more is being done, what resource is being deployed, and what additional protections can be put in place for vulnerable women and girls in Northern Ireland.
WATCH: We’re building a rejuvenated Ulster Unionist Party that will deliver competent, credible leadership and common sense policies that actually serve the people of Northern Ireland.
Time to fix what’s not working and deliver for our people.
Be part of the change and join the Ulster Unionist Party: https://t.co/PHU3jlNQXR
Inspirational speech today from UUP leader Jon Burrows, setting out a confident, courageous, non-sectarian Unionism committed to building a Northern Ireland that works for everyone and an Executive that delivers.
Supporting our Farmers today at @uuponline AGM - whether it’s the iniquitous @UKLabour Inheritance Tax or excessive fuel duty, in these uncertain times we have to support our vital Northern Ireland rural economy @RobbieButlerMLA
👏👏👏Great speeches from @JonBurrowsMLA & @Diana_uup at our packed @uuponline AGM. There is a reason Jon is now acknowledged leader of Unionism - we need to move on from the very tired messages and incompetence from DUP, TUV and Alliance, we are the Party to do that👏👏👏
East Belfast MLA Andy Allen MBE welcomes the Executive’s extra £19 million package delivering £100 payments to around 340,000 households earning £30,000 or less.
“Prompt, accessible delivery is key... We must avoid past delays and extend help to those just above the threshold still feeling the squeeze.”
The Ulster Unionist Party will keep pushing Westminster and the Executive for real long term support to tackle fuel poverty and cut reliance on volatile global markets.