Jobs redeployed at local Benefits Centre

UP to 25 employees at the Jobs and Benefit Centre in Ballymoney are set to be redeployed 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 redeployed to either Ballymena, Magherafelt or Coleraine.

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DUP Councillor John Finlay said the move was an "efficiency measure" by Social Security Minister, Margaret Ritchie, and revealed that the issue had already gone to the consultation process.

"There's not a great deal that can be done about it," Mr. Finlay said.

He added: "Ballymoney is in the unfortunate position of being sandwiched between Ballymena and Coleraine and if changes are being made, we always seem to suffer.

"People will be inconvenienced in the Ballymoney area by having to travel to sort out their problems."

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Councillor Finlay said the matter had been raised at council level and concern had been expressed about taking services out of the area.

Last week a new office for those seeking jobs and those claiming benefits opened to the public in Ballymena.

The new facility brings together the services previously provided by the Social Security Agency and the Department for Employment and Learning's JobCentre.

Members of the public looking for work will be provided with a dedicated member of staff who will focus on getting the person into or back into work.