The Workers Party is supporting the Ballymena Jobs Rally and is adding its voice to those calling for a secure employment future for the area.

In particular we are calling on the Assembly to launch a co-ordinated and resourced investment strategy, a centrally planned job creation programme and real, secure and well paid jobs the Ballymena and wider Antrim area.

That is a task that must be taken on by the Assembly – not left to the whim of the private sector.

The Assembly has bent over backwards to reduce corporation tax for big businesses and is prepared to pay for that by slashing university places and the skills and training budget.

Northern Ireland needs a highly skilled and qualified workforce but the Assembly would rather give tax breaks to the rich than invest in  young peoples’ futures and secure well paid employment.

The Workers Party has said consistently that only a programme of public investment will turn the economy around and provide the jobs that will sustain and develop it.