Public contracts to give more weight to local jobs and skills
Bidders for major government contracts will be assessed more heavily on training, work experience, apprenticeships and support for local communities.
Herald section
News
The latest reporting from across the Belfast Herald news desks.
Furniture firm refused HGV operator licence after insolvency concerns
Deputy Traffic Commissioner Mark Hinchliffe rejected Valiant Furniture (NW) Ltd’s application to operate two vehicles after a public inquiry in Haydock.
Nine in ten further-education leavers record positive next step
Official statistics for 2024-25 show employment as the largest destination, with a third of leavers returning to education.
FE leavers report 90% positive outcomes after qualifications
The Department for the Economy report covers 2024/25 leavers who completed regulated qualifications at Level 3 or below in Northern Ireland’s further education sector.
Larne town centre projects completed after regeneration investment
The Department for Communities provided £331,945 and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council invested £35,805 in the town centre work.
More than 1,700 apply for Farming with Nature scheme
DAERA says applications for the 2026 scheme were worth £12.37 million, with farmers seeking support for more than 10,000 environmental actions.
Nine in 10 FE leavers report work or study within six months
A Department for the Economy survey found 90% of respondents who completed regulated qualifications at Level 3 or below had a positive outcome.
New public spaces and shopfront work completed in Larne centre
A £367,750 programme has delivered a Main Street pop-up park, Dunluce Street improvements and grants for traders.