To ask the Minister for the Economy for his assessment of what investment is required to ensure the good jobs employment rights Bill addresses any negative impact that a lack of adequate provision for people with learning disabilities has on the economy.

Mr C Murphy (The Minister for the Economy)

My 'good jobs' employment rights consultation sought views on the proposals on flexible working and carers' leave to help address barriers to employment for carers and to enable those with disabilities to enter or remain in work. The consultation closed on 30 September, and responses are being analysed. In addition, we know that a lack of suitable post-school provision for those with special educational needs (SEN) causes many carers to consider leaving work or reducing their hours to support the young person. That is why I have tasked officials to review the position on skills and training provision and the relevant legislative protections and to bring forward options for improvements.

Mr C Murphy

I have met groups that campaign on the issue of the lack of post-19 provision for people with learning difficulties and other challenges. I agree that it is an area that has been left for far too long without any provision being made or perhaps, indeed, any responsibility being taken. It is a complex issue. I am determined to work with ministerial colleagues and other Departments to see where the responsibilities lie and what we can do collectively. There is undoubtedly a gap in provision. There has been for some time, and I commend those who have been campaigning on that. We have an opportunity in the mandate to scope it out and see what actions are required. I hope that we can make progress on the issue, in collaboration with other Departments that have a responsibility, in the course of the mandate so that we have a plan in place as quickly as possible.

Mr Gildernew

Will you outline your proposals on the important issue of carers' leave, please?

Mr C Murphy

The 'good jobs' employment rights consultation proposed to introduce a right to up to five days of leave for unpaid, eligible carers over a rolling 12-month period to provide care for a family member or other dependant who has longer-term or otherwise significant care needs. It remains my goal to introduce paid carers' leave entitlement. However, that would be subject to Executive and Assembly approvals and the identification of necessary funding by the Executive. The Ulster University's Economic Policy Centre has been engaged to consider the potential cost of paid entitlement. In addition to the annually recurring costs of providing paid carers' leave, there are implications such as the availability of funding for any HMRC system changes that would be required. Those changes would require considerable set-up costs, and the ongoing costs could be substantial. In parallel, I have asked a cross-departmental senior officials group on carers to look at the options available to support our unpaid carers.