5,000 workers 'to move' from city

At least 5,000 public sector jobs should be moved out of Belfast as part of a decentralisation plan, a report has said.

The independent review, by Professor Sir George Bain, said the jobs should go to six locations including Londonderry, Newry and Ballymena.

Sir George said the relocation could create "better economic balance" in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Agriculture is among 13 organisations which could move.

The plan would require the agreement of the executive.

Sir George said any relocation should be introduced on a phased basis.

A number of pilot projects would initially see up to 4,000 jobs being moved out of Belfast.

JOBS ON THE MOVE

"Our primary consideration is better regional economic balance, ensuring that there is sufficient critical mass to absorb and sustain employment over time and create a coherent career structure for public servants in local areas," said Sir George.

"We believe that these locations and organisations provide this not only for the towns and cities selected but, importantly, the surrounding areas."

The review team recommended that public sector jobs should be relocated to six locations; Ballymena, Coleraine, Craigavon, Londonderry, Newry and Omagh.

Finance and Personnel Minister Nigel Dodds said he wanted to get the views of the executive.

"There are a number of detailed suggestions contained in the report that will need careful examination and consideration before decisions on a way forward can be reached."

The organisations which could be relocated include the Victims and Survivors Commission; Charities Commission; Education and Skills Authority Headquarters; the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the Northern Ireland Water Headquarters.

John Corey, the general secretary of the Nipsa trade union, said he welcomed the recommendations.

"Nipsa has long supported the principle of a fair distribution of public service jobs across Northern Ireland as a means of improving equal opportunities," he said.

"At the same time it is imperative that the interests and rights of existing civil service and public service staff are fully protected."

Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said it made "absolute sense" for her department to be relocated.

"We need to be as close to the people we serve as possible, and to the heart of the community. I want to work as closely as we can with the rural community."

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