The Department for Communities (DfC) has announced the creation of over 1,000 new jobs, offering a significant employment boost across Northern Ireland. The roles will primarily support benefit delivery services as part of an expanded agreement with the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), bringing an estimated £35 million of inward investment annually.
The newly announced positions will be based in four DfC sites: 595 roles in Belfast, 270 in Londonderry, 116 in Ballymena, and 27 in Ballykelly. These jobs are expected to support the local economy by providing permanent, full-time employment opportunities in communities across Northern Ireland.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons highlighted the importance of this development: "This is a massive boost for the local economy and is testament to the quality of service being delivered by the Department for Communities."
Long-Term Job Security and Investment
The majority of the 1,000 new roles will be permanent positions, with the DfC also working towards a long-term goal of maintaining a workforce made up of 70% permanent staff and 30% agency workers. Currently, over 3,600 DfC employees deliver services for the DWP across the four sites, and this expansion builds on a well-established working relationship between the departments.
Minister Lyons added: "This strengthening of our long-standing relationship with DWP will create more permanent, full-time roles and offer further opportunities across Northern Ireland."
Ministerial Support and Economic Impact
During a visit to DfC offices, Andrew Western, Minister for Transformation at the DWP, praised the collaboration and its positive economic impact. "Bringing 1,000 new service delivery jobs to these four areas of Northern Ireland will be invaluable to the local economy through providing more jobs for people and in delivering a key service for our customers," he said.
Boost for Regional Areas
The job creation has been welcomed by local political representatives, particularly for its positive impact outside of Belfast. DUP MLA Gary Middleton called the move "a demonstration of the minister’s commitment to regional balance and to the wider north west region." SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan also noted the significance of the investment: "These jobs will make a significant difference to our local economy, providing good jobs and giving people more money to spend in local businesses."
The announcement marks a significant step forward for employment opportunities across Northern Ireland, with a focus on long-term, sustainable growth in key regions.
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