South Down Security Jobs To Be Saved

South Down Assemblyman Chris Hazzard MLA has been given a commitment by the Minister for Social Development Nelson McCausland that staff in the Downpatrick Social Security Agency will remain in place.

Following an announcement in June that the Social Security Network would be changing dramatically, with jobs relocating to Newry and Lurgan, Mr Hazzard has made several representations to the Minister and DSD officials in an effort to keep these valuable jobs in the South Down area.

Mr Hazzard said: "The final phase of the Minister's reform was to see huge changes in the employment structure of Social Security offices in South Down, resulting in a dangerous disruption to local services and unacceptable job losses. I made it clear to the Minister and his department that such a radical shake up was unwarranted and undesirable.

"The Minister has assured me that he has agreed to retain the status of the Social Security Office in Downpatrick, with all staff in this office expected to remain in place. This is great news for all involved, especially in the run-up to the Christmas period. I have been talking to a few of the staff this morning and they are absolutely delighted – they are just so relieved."

(CD/GK)