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Redundancy Advice Service committed to providing support

12 January 2012

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry today reiterated his Department’s commitment to assist businesses and individuals affected by redundancy.

The Minister said: “Job losses such as those announced today at the Ulster Bank are extremely regrettable, not only for those who have been told their jobs are to go, but also for families, communities and the economy as a whole.  My Department is working proactively delivering redundancy clinics across Northern Ireland to assist employers and their employees who unfortunately find themselves facing redundancies.

“The Redundancy Advice Service works in partnership with the Social Security Agency, Further Education Colleges, HMRC and other agencies to provide advice on alternative job opportunities and access to training courses and a range of other issues such as benefits and taxation. My Department is also responsible for the administration of the Statutory Redundancy Payments Service and will ensure that employees receive their statutory redundancy entitlement where, for whatever reason, an employer fails to meet their legal responsibilities.

“Any employer who is proposing to make redundancies can avail of our help and the service is free of charge.

“The Redundancy Advice Service will co-ordinate and deliver a tailored package of support and employees will be provided with information and professional advice about the options and support available to them including employment, training and education opportunities and careers advice.

“The Department also has a series of information packs entitled ‘Get Ahead – Get Our Help’ which summarise the full range of measures which will benefit individuals and employers.

“I would urge employers to contact us at the earliest opportunity to ensure staff have the advice and support required.”

Further information for employers can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/redundancy-service.pdf or contact the Employer Contact Manager at your nearest Job Centre/Jobs & Benefits Office.

The Get Ahead, Get Our Help packs are available on www.nidirect.gov.uk/getahead external link or by calling 028 9025 7781.  They are also available throughout the 35 JobCentres and Jobs and Benefits Offices across Northern Ireland and also via Careers Advice Centres in Belfast, Londonderry and Dungannon.

Furthermore, employees may also contact DEL directly to take up the support available by contacting their local Jobs and Benefits Office or JobCentre – details available on www.nidirect.gov.uk/getahead external link.

Notes to editors:

  1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on telephone number 028 9025 7466. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.