30 September 2003
£1M NEW JOBS & BENEFITS SERVICE OPENED IN KILKEEL
"Kilkeel Jobs & Benefits office is a whole new service for the community in Kilkeel and demonstrates our commitment to providing excellent services in the town," Chris Thompson, Chief Executive of the Social Security Agency, said today.
Mr Thompson was speaking at the official opening of the new Jobs & Benefits office at Newry Street in Kilkeel, the result of a £1m investment. The new accommodation brings together in one place the services of the Department for Employment and Learning and the Social Security Agency to help people of working age into employment.
So far, 14 of the new integrated offices have opened and over the next few years a total of 35 will be introduced throughout Northern Ireland.
Speaking about the new service, Mr Thompson said: "Our new offices are designed with our customers in mind. They provide practical support in a friendly and welcoming environment.
"I am very proud of the new service, which provides a real step change in the way we deliver employment and welfare services. It’s all about encouraging people into work and providing security for those who can’t work and it puts this organisation at the leading edge in service delivery."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The new office in Kilkeel is one of 14 Jobs & Benefits offices throughout Northern Ireland. Plans are in place to convert the remaining offices to the new way of working over the next three years.
- The new office is located at Newry Street in Kilkeel, telephone 028 4176 1400.
- The office has 40 staff.
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