12 March 2004
JOBS & BENEFITS OFFICES TO MAINTAIN SERVICES DESPITE INDUSTRIAL ACTION
The Social Security Agency today announced that in partnership with the Department of Employment and Learning, special arrangements have been made to maintain services during next week’s strike action by Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance members in Derry and Newtownabbey Jobs & Benefits offices.
A spokesperson for the Agency said: "We are determined to maintain a service to our customers in spite of the strike action taken by NIPSA members. Contingency arrangements have been made to ensure people will continue to receive the money they are entitled to, whether it comes by giro, order book or paid into their bank or building society account.
"People claiming JobSeeker’s Allowance will also be excused from signing during the period of the industrial action.
"Together with the management in DEL, it is our joint intention to keep the offices open during the strike and to have staff in the offices to maintain services. However, the Northside Community Benefit office in Derry will be closed next week to allow us to concentrate staff resources in the Foyle and Lisnagelvin offices.
"Some people may experience some inconvenience and we ask our customers to be patient during this period."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Members of NIPSA are taking strike action in the Foyle and Lisnagelvin Jobs & Benefits offices from Monday 15 March to Friday 19 March 2004. The union are taking strike action in Newtownabbey Jobs & Benefits office from Tuesday 16 March to Friday 19 March 2004.
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