AT LEAST SIX temporary jobs have gone locally in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency due to cut-backs, but the workers have yet to receive written confirmation.
The temporary agency staff, responsible for the maintenance of grass and monuments at local landmarks such as Castle Archdale and Devenish Island have lost their jobs as a result of a recent Northern Ireland Executive cutbacks.
A DOE spokesman confirmed the cuts across the North.
“Owing to the recent Executive decision to cut budgets, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has had no choice but to release a number of temporary agency staff earlier than planned. The majority of these temporary staff were taken on for the summer months at a number of the NIEA visitor attractions.
“However, the NIEA is putting in place contingency measures to maintain service levels as much as practicable at these visitor facilities. This should allow the people of Northern Ireland and tourists to continue to enjoy them over the remaining peak period.”
Local UUP councillor Raymond Farrell revealed that these staff members have been left in limbo, as while they have been verbally informed that they have lost their jobs, they yet to receive written confirmation.
“There is anxiety and uncertainty as they are unsure do they still go to work until the end of September when their contract is due to run out.”
He continued: “I am very disappointed to learn of these job losses and the sudden manner and method of delivery to employees. These staff were providing a valuable service in the local community and in a tourist county as Fermanagh, their work was valuable and essential. I immediately on hearing this news contacted senior officials in the council who were unaware of these job losses and as yet what contingency plans had been put in place in the height of the summer season.
“The loss of one’s job is devastating, people have financial commitments like mortgages, young families to care for, as well as their own self esteem and self worth. We hear talk of economic recovery yet for these people who are without a job that is worthless.”
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