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4,000 workers 'to move' from city 4,000 workers 'to move' from city
(20 minutes later)
Up to 4,000 public sector jobs should be moved out of Belfast as part of a wider relocation plan, a report has said.Up to 4,000 public sector jobs should be moved out of Belfast as part of a wider relocation plan, a report has said.
The independent review, by Professor George Bain, said more jobs should be moved to places including Londonderry, Newry and Ballymena. The independent review, by Professor Sir George Bain, said more jobs should be moved to places including Londonderry, Newry and Ballymena.
Professor Bain said the relocation could create "better economic balance" in Northern Ireland. Sir George said the relocation could create "better economic balance" in Northern Ireland.
The Department of Agriculture is among the organisations which could move.The Department of Agriculture is among the 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.
"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," he said.
"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
  • 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.