15 staff to be moved from DSS complex

15 staff to be moved from DSS complex

13 July 2016

A TEAM of Downpatrick civil servants have learnt their jobs are to be moved from the town.

Fifteen employees of the Social Security office at Mount Crescent were told on Friday that their work, which deals with the Social Fund, will move to Lisburn, Dungannon or Antrim.

It is understood the final location will not be confirmed for a number of weeks.

The news has come as a blow to the workers who had hoped that a Downpatrick base would be retained, or that they could be re-housed at Knockebreda, following a shake-up of services.

There is also uncertainty for other staff of the Downpatrick office, who fear their front-line service may also be disbanded as a result of government restructuring in favour of a telephone-based service.

After Friday’s news, South Down MP Margaret Ritchie called for more investment in Downpatrick for social security staff and for the public who rely on their services.

She said she had received an assurance from the deputy secretary for Working Age in the Department of Communities that Downpatrick will continue to have a Social Security Office, but said she had nonetheless made urgent representations to the Department of Communities to ensure adequate and substantial monies are invested in Downpatrick.

“Downpatrick has a long established history of public service excellence,” she said.

“It is crucial this is recognised by the Department, and investment is secured for Downpatrick. 

“The Department must also be forthcoming in communicating it’s intentions with staff, so informed decisions can be made with regarding future employment opportunities. 

“Future investment in Downpatrick will allow a furtherance of the high standard of public service the public have received for many years.”