Jobs to be retained at Omagh benefits office

Telephonist jobs will be retained at the Jobs and Benefits office in Omagh.

They were on course to be relocated to Belfast.

The decision to keep the jobs in town has been made by the Minister for Communities Paul Givan.

It’s been welcomed by Assembly Member Tom Buchanan.

Following a meeting with the Minister on Monday afternoon Mr Buchanan says having jobs for people in their own area is vitally important for the local economy.

“The west can somewhat suffer from a 'brain drain' due to jobs being located in the city or further afield. 

“I am delighted that Minister Givan has reversed the decision to move these jobs out of Omagh. This will come as welcome news to the people who work in the offices and their families, particuarly at this time of year,” he says.

Mr Buchanan says it is hoped that more jobs can be created – that would bring the total number of Jobs and Benefits roles in Omagh to over 20.

“The Jobs and Benefits office is a service which many people in the west rely on. To have that service on their doorstep is important and means many do not miss out on receiving help and support.

“This is an issue I have been actively working on and continually lobbying the Minister on for the past few months and I commend the Minister, who has listened to the voice of those who would have been affected by the job losses. I know these employees who expressed their anxiety and concern will be delighted with this decision,” he adds.