Call for action on public sector jobs

A key priority in 2010 should be the fight to not only retain public sector jobs in West Tyrone, but to increase those numbers and achieve more balanced regional economic development, says local MLA Barry McElduff.

In September 2008, Professor Sir George Bain published his report recommending that approximately 5,000 public sector jobs should be relocated out of Belfast to six regional locations; Ballymena, Coleraine, Craigavon, Derry, Newry and Omagh, which were all highlighted as prime locations for decentralisation.

It identified Omagh as the largest town (about 8,000 dwellings) in the west of Northern Ireland, with the highest concentration of travel-to-work public sector employment. The figures equated to almost a quarter stating, '21.5 per 100 of the working age population.'

Now over 15 months later, Mr McElduff said he is disillusioned that no steps have been made to implement these recommendations. The Sinn Féin MLA said it will require strong leadership and that by doing so will help to enhance sustainable economic and social development.

However, a few months ago the Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson said the estimated £40 million cost of the plan is "simply not affordable."

In December Mr McElduff contacted all 11 government departments seeking information as to the grade and number of posts they had in West Tyrone, and to outline any plans to increase these numbers.

The ministerial responses all said there was no immediate plans to increase the number of public sector jobs in West Tyrone. The only signs of optimism came from Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew, although her department has no current plans, she has written to the Department for Finance and Personnel to urge them to bring the Bain report to the Executive.

Mr McElduff said these responses demonstrated just how vital it is for the retention of the current level of jobs, stressing that the promise of Bain "needs to be delivered."

With the ongoing Review of Public administration that will see the Western Education and Library Board amalgamate with the other four regional offices to form the Education Skills Authority (ESA), Mr McElduff emphasised how important for these jobs to be retained in Omagh.

The Bain report identified 13 possible organisations for relocation which included; Victims and Survivors Commission, Charities Commission, Regional Health and Social Care Board, Education and Skills Authority Headquarters, Library Authority Headquarters, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Northern Ireland Water Headquarters. It was also suggested one of the 11 government departments, possibly the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development could be located in a more rural setting outside of Belfast.