Departments continue to drive welfare reform

31 May 2007

Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey, together with Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, today visited Holywood Road Jobs and Benefits office.  

The visit was an opportunity for the Ministers to see the vital work of the Departments’ front line staff who are delivering the Welfare Reform policy and helping people to find jobs.

Sir Reg said: “Today we have had the opportunity to meet staff and discuss at first hand how they support unemployed people to move into employment and away from welfare dependency.  The work they do not only improves the lives of the individuals they are in contact with, but also their families, local employers and the economy as a whole.”

He continued: “It is pleasing to note that the unemployment level in this area has dropped significantly since the opening in 2004 of this office, with the jobseeker register falling by 40% and I hope to see this trend continue with the opening of the Ikea store later this year”.

Holywood Road Jobs and Benefits office is to roll out the Pathways to Work service from autumn of this year.  This interdepartmental initiative is designed to help people with health conditions or disabilities to move closer to the labour market or into employment.  The initiative is delivered jointly by the Department for Employment and Learning and the Social Security Agency within the Department for Social Development and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Margaret Ritchie, the Minister for Social Development said: “We want to help people into work and give them the support they need. Today we have seen this in action through the delivery of joined up welfare and employment services. I have been very impressed by the excellent facilities available at Holywood Road which has enabled the public and staff to conduct business in a professional and efficient manner.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. Holywood Road Jobs & Benefits office is one of 25 such offices across Northern Ireland, delivering welfare reform policy jointly between the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) and the Department of Social Development.  
  2. The office has 33 DEL staff and 90 Social Security Agency and Child Support Agency staff.
  3. Around 862 people are on the jobseekers register, and the benefit customer base is approximately 4003.
  4. Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.