CSA staff walk out in protest

Employees from the Child Support Agency (CSA) in Belfast have walked out of work on an unofficial protest.

The action comes after yesterday's government announcement that the agency is to be abolished and replaced with a smaller body.

It is understood that if this happens, around 1,800 jobs could be lost.

During a protest outside the CSA on Great Victoria Street earlier today, Patrick McGinley, a member of staff from the CSA, told BBC news: "We have come out here today because there might be a slight possibility of saving some people's jobs."

He added: "But we don't trust senior executives to do that for us.

"We want to be consulted at all times ... The trade union and the ordinary staff because it is their future and their jobs."

Meanwhile, Social Development Minister David Hanson has reassured CSA staff that there is no immediate threat to their jobs.

While the Child Support Agency is to be replaced following the Henshaw Report published yesterday, current operations are likely to continue for at least three years.

The Minister said: "The unofficial action today does not help anyone, especially those who depend on the CSA services.

"I can understand the concern that yesterday's announcement will have caused to staff in the Agency. I hope they will reflect that they are very much needed to keep the operation going until new arrangements are put into place."

He continued: "Future staffing issues will be dealt with in full consultation with the union. I would hope that any reduction could be dealt with through natural wastage and redeployment within the Department for Social Development and across the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

"I would appeal to staff to bear with us through a period of change. They still have a valuable role to play in providing child support service."

(EF)