Partnering to provide a rapid redundancy response

The Department for Employment and Learning and HM Revenue and Customs have signed a formal agreement to work together to provide support to employers and those employees facing redundancy.

Through the ‘Responding in Partnership – Northern Ireland’ Agreement, HM Revenue and Customs commits to providing a rapid response service to support the Department for Employment and Learning’s Redundancy Service.

Commenting on the Partnership Agreement, Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey said: “By working closely together we believe that the Department for Employment and Learning and HM Revenue and Customs can provide additional support to employers and employees facing redundancy.

“We recognise this is a very difficult time for those individuals affected by redundancy and we have well-established procedures in place to assist individuals facing a redundancy situation to access alternative employment. These procedures will be put in place to match the timetable for closure and the needs of the workforce. Services available include provision of advice, in partnership with the Social Security Agency and now with HM Revenue and Customs, on employment opportunities, job search, training and education opportunities, benefit entitlement, and careers advice. Training opportunities will be made available where appropriate.

“This Partnership Agreement also helps to cement the already excellent relationship between our two Departments.”

The Redundancy Service is offered by the Department for Employment and Learning to any employer who announces redundancies. The service includes on site job clinics which provide employees facing redundancy with information on various services. The Department also arranges local Job Fairs and Advice and Opportunity Forums in areas where a range of companies have made individuals redundant. When appropriate, HM Revenue and Customs colleagues will now join these clinics and events to advise on Tax Credits, self employment and other tax or National Insurance matters.

A simple process has been drawn up between the Department for Employment and Learning and HM Revenue and Customs to request HM Revenue and Customs’ participation in such events.

Notes to Editors

1. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7492. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned