Northern Ireland people could lose out on vital skills training because companies are opting for migrant labour, the employment minister said today.
Sir Reg Empey warned the trend could leave more struggling with poor reading, writing and computer skills. He said one in four of those leaving school aged 16 had inadequate literacy.
"The danger with it is that employers will be able to get skilled labour brought in and not have to worry about training up indigenous labour," the minister said.
"At the moment, where companies are looking to employ people, it is clear that the arrival of migrant workers isn't causing that problem, but it could leave the pool of the indigenous population without basic skills because employers don't have to bother."
Sir Reg said he was keen migrants participated in the local economy and added he was taking steps to ensure they learned English and other important skills. He is highlighting his department's essential skills programme for maths, reading and writing.
PA