Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent
Traveller employment needs to become a significant focus for Government policy and strategy if unemployment among members is to be tackled, according to a new report.
The 'Travellers in the Mainstream Labour Market' report shows 80% of the Traveller community are not in work.
The research, which was conducted for the St Stephen's Green Trust, includes interviews with members of the Traveller community working in a range of employment settings, and with employers, trade unions and policy makers.
It says employment for members of the community should be a "named focus" and it calls for the creation of a work experience programme and internships for Travellers in the public sector.