DVTA return to work welcomed by FSB

The Federation of Small Businesses has welcomed the decision of DVTA staff to return to work, but urged both the union involved, NIPSA, and the Government to negotiate a resolution the industrial action.

FSB Parliamentary Officer, Glyn Roberts said: “While this is clearly a welcome development, we still have a long way to go before the overall strike is resolved and would continue to encourage both NIPSA and the Government to stick at the negotiating table. It is clear that NIPSA have listened to the concerns we have raised with them about the impact this strike is having on the local economy”

“Small businesses who are involved with MOTs and Driving Examinations will no doubt be relieved as many where facing immediate closure which would have resulted in a considerable amount of job losses”

“There is also a problem of how to get through the huge backlog of tests and we hope to meet with the DVTA soon to find ways of getting through it as quickly as a possible to get the system up and running again”

“We have also concerns with the focus of the strike now moving onto to the planning service and will be closely monitoring the effect of this on our membership”

The DVTA has welcomed news that staff will be returning to work. The strike by NIPSA members has hit both MOTs and driving tests since mid May.

(SP)