Neeson outrage at public sector jobs leaving East Antrim

East Antrim Alliance MLA Séan Neeson has expressed alarm at the fact there is going to be a major reduction of public services in Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey . It means that matters such as income support, jobseekers allowance and crisis loans will move from being dealt with in the locality to an office in Corporation Street in Belfast .

Mr Neeson said: “This is all part of a so-called restructuring movement in Department of Social Development and Department of Employment and Learning. This will mean a major inconvenience for people living in these areas.

“It is a further signal that public sector jobs in East Antrim are being reduced and this constituency already has the lowest level of jobs in this sector in Northern Ireland .

“It is my intention to take the matter up directly with the respective Ministers. Already Larne is suffering today through the proposal to closer veterinary facilities in the area, despite the fact it is one of the major ports in Northern Ireland .

“It is my hope that all the MLAs in the area will work collectively to oppose these proposals.”

ENDS