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One hundred and fifty new recruits for Social Security frontline - Ritchie

Monday, 26 January 2009

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA has announced plans to recruit 150 new staff to the Social Security Agency (SSA) frontline.

This is a direct result of the economic downturn, with many more people claiming benefits. Most of the new staff will be posted to the front line Jobs & Benefits Offices with some working in the new Employment & Support Allowance Centre.

Margaret Ritchie said: “This is a proactive response to the current difficult economic situation. By recruiting extra staff into the front line, we will ensure customers continue to receive the best possible service.

"Everyone will be aware of the significant and unprecedented increase in unemployment. The latest NI figures highlight just under 36,000 people are now claiming Jobseekers Allowance and it is vital that we support them in every way possible. Therefore, an extra 150 staff are being recruited for front line Jobseekers Allowance posts.”

Margaret Ritchie, in praising the efforts of the current staff in the Social Security Agency, said: “I commend the hard work and dedication of staff in the Agency who have reacted marvellously well to the challenge of increasing workloads caused by rising unemployment.”

Notes to Editors:

  1. Customers who become unemployed can claim Jobseekers Allowance by contacting their local Jobs & Benefits/Social Security Office.
  2. The number of people claiming Jobseekers allowance at the end of December 2008 was 35,521 compared to 22,520 at the same period in 2007 - an increase of 63%.
  3. In addition to the 150 staff for Jobs and Benefits Offices, the new Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Centre (which started work 27 October 2008 to replace Incapacity Benefit and Income Support, paid on grounds of incapacity) is taking on six new staff to help with the large number of calls received to date. Contacting the ESA Centre using the freephone number (0800 085 6318) is the easiest way for a customer to claim ESA. Customers wishing to report a change in circumstances, or provide any additional information, should ring 0845 602 7301.
  4. For further information, please call Philip Maguire DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9079, mobile 07788108657.