01/06/2012
Benefits Processing To Be Centralised
Benefits processing is to be centralised in Belfast and Londonderry offices by this autumn.
But the Social Security Agency (SSA) insisted the move would not mean job losses and said the changes to the local office network would improve customer service.
The third phase of the Customer First Initiative will allow the SSA to meet the demands of welfare reform, the agency said.
Tommy O'Reilly of the SSA said: "The Customer First changes, being implemented by the Social Security Agency, bring about a change to how the Agency's office network processes its business and allows us to provide greater choice for how our customers access our services. The changes brought about by Customer First help meet the changing needs of our customers and pave the way for the introduction of Universal Credit and other welfare reforms over the coming years. However, let me reiterate, there will be no loss of jobs for staff as a result of the Customer First restructuring proposals. No offices will be closing and customers who prefer to see staff face-to-face will continue to do so. The Customer First initiative aims to ensure that all our staff are fully supported in delivering an even better service to our customers."
The Customer First plan was first piloted in 2010.
The SSA proposes to complete the two remaining phases, involving new offices in towns including Enniskillen and Lurgan, by March 2013.
(NE/GK)
But the Social Security Agency (SSA) insisted the move would not mean job losses and said the changes to the local office network would improve customer service.
The third phase of the Customer First Initiative will allow the SSA to meet the demands of welfare reform, the agency said.
Tommy O'Reilly of the SSA said: "The Customer First changes, being implemented by the Social Security Agency, bring about a change to how the Agency's office network processes its business and allows us to provide greater choice for how our customers access our services. The changes brought about by Customer First help meet the changing needs of our customers and pave the way for the introduction of Universal Credit and other welfare reforms over the coming years. However, let me reiterate, there will be no loss of jobs for staff as a result of the Customer First restructuring proposals. No offices will be closing and customers who prefer to see staff face-to-face will continue to do so. The Customer First initiative aims to ensure that all our staff are fully supported in delivering an even better service to our customers."
The Customer First plan was first piloted in 2010.
The SSA proposes to complete the two remaining phases, involving new offices in towns including Enniskillen and Lurgan, by March 2013.
(NE/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 November 2004
Customer charters set out Social Security rights
Two new customer charters to ensure better service for pensioners, people with disabilities and carers were launched today by the Social Security Agency. The charters include details of the services available and the standards people can expect when they contact the Agency.
Customer charters set out Social Security rights
Two new customer charters to ensure better service for pensioners, people with disabilities and carers were launched today by the Social Security Agency. The charters include details of the services available and the standards people can expect when they contact the Agency.
25 October 2004
Jobs and benefit service launches customer charter
A new customer charter that aims to ensure better service across the Jobs & Benefits Service has been launched today. The charter includes details of the services available and the standards people can expect, and is accompanied by a leaflet explaining how to comment or complain on the service they receive.
Jobs and benefit service launches customer charter
A new customer charter that aims to ensure better service across the Jobs & Benefits Service has been launched today. The charter includes details of the services available and the standards people can expect, and is accompanied by a leaflet explaining how to comment or complain on the service they receive.
14 May 2003
Magherafelt gets £1.3m benefits office
The opening of a £1.3 million Jobs and Benefits Office in Magherafelt has demonstrated government’s continued commitment to social and financial inclusion.
Magherafelt gets £1.3m benefits office
The opening of a £1.3 million Jobs and Benefits Office in Magherafelt has demonstrated government’s continued commitment to social and financial inclusion.
24 September 2019
Cyber Security Firm To Create 120 Jobs In Belfast
A Californian cybersecurity company is creating 120 jobs as it opens a new development and delivery centre in Belfast. Contrast Security is the latest firm in the sector to invest in Northern Ireland. Invest NI is supporting the international expansion with £786,500 towards the jobs, which will have an average salary of over £30,000.
Cyber Security Firm To Create 120 Jobs In Belfast
A Californian cybersecurity company is creating 120 jobs as it opens a new development and delivery centre in Belfast. Contrast Security is the latest firm in the sector to invest in Northern Ireland. Invest NI is supporting the international expansion with £786,500 towards the jobs, which will have an average salary of over £30,000.
04 April 2019
Plans For Major L'Derry Road Upgrade Must Change- Retail NI
Retailers on the Buncrana Road in L'Derry are calling for changes to the proposed upgrade to the road in a bid to improve local access to their stores. Several traders on the major route have expressed concerns that the works will restrict customer access and affect their business.
Plans For Major L'Derry Road Upgrade Must Change- Retail NI
Retailers on the Buncrana Road in L'Derry are calling for changes to the proposed upgrade to the road in a bid to improve local access to their stores. Several traders on the major route have expressed concerns that the works will restrict customer access and affect their business.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.