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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps were taken to ensure Castlereagh College's involvement in assisting employees of TK-ECC following closure of the factory at Dundonald; and if he will make a statement. [171029] Mr. Gardiner: Following two meetings with TK-ECC Senior Management, officials from the Department for Employment and Learning co-ordinated an inter- Departmental Outreach Service at the company's premises, from 8 to 12 March. During the meetings it was indicated to the company that Castlereagh College was keen to provide additional support to the workforce; subsequently, formal contact was established between the company and the college. The company quickly established the Outplacement Centre, involving the Department for Employment and Learning, Invest Northern Ireland, Social Security Agency and the Inland Revenue in providing advice and guidance on their services, including referrals to jobs and training opportunities, benefit claims and entitlement, advice on business start-up and entitlement to tax credits. While it was the company's intention to engage with other interested organisations, including Castlereagh College, unfortunately, this did not transpire as the premises were vacated on 12 March, prohibiting intervention by these organisations. The Department for Employment and Learning's District Manager for South and East Belfast met, subsequently, with the Principal and Chief Executive of Castlereagh College to clarify the situation pertaining to the closure of TK-ECC and to establish agreed practices in the event of future redundancies occurring within South and East Belfast.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

421 c262W; 171029

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Advisory services Employment Redundancy Training TK-ECC

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk