Council vote to write to Ministers over job losses

Addressing their ‘grave concerns’ councillors agreed to write to Margaret Richie, Minister for Social Development and Sir Reg Empey, DEL Minister over the loss of back office jobs at Housing Executive and Social Security Agency, John Street office in Ballymoney.

The action was backed after Cllr Ian Stevenson informed members at a recent Development Committee meeting that he had spoken to the Minister for Social Development regarding the ‘major economic and social blow’ to the town.

He also asked the committee to write to the Minister seeking clarification on the policy to remove the jobs. Alderman Frank Campbell and Cllr Anita Cavlan supported the comments.

In response to members questions the Chair advised that front counter jobs would remain but it is unclear how many jobs are affected. He also suggested writing to Sir Reg Empey, DEL Minister as it was ‘DEL jobs that were being moved’.

It was proposed by Cllr Stevenson and seconded by Alderman Campbell.

Last week the Ballymoney and Moyle Times revealed that up to 25 employees were to be deployed from the Ballymoney Jobs and Benefit Centre under new proposals from the Government.

It is understood that from April 12 only front line staff will be working at the John Street premises to pass on claims relating to all aspects of social security. The remainder of employees will be moved to either Ballymena, Magherafelt or Coleraine.

Addressing concern Cllr Stevenson said: “The whole things is scandalous. Jobs in Ballymoney are just disappearing out of the town and this is just another ‘major economic and social blow’.

“It also concerns me that no one had the decency to even let us know that these jobs were being taken away.”