1000 jobs created in NI

The Department for Communities (DfC) in Northern Ireland has announced the creation of over 1,000 new jobs as part of an expansion in service delivery for the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The roles, primarily in benefit delivery, will be distributed across Belfast (595 jobs), Derry (270), Ballymena (116), and Ballykelly (27), generating an estimated £35 million in annual inward investment. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons emphasized that this initiative is a significant boost for the local economy and reflects the quality of services provided by the DfC. Currently, over 3,600 staff are involved in DWP services, with plans to increase the proportion of permanent roles from 46% to 70%. DWP Minister Andrew Western expressed his enthusiasm for the positive impact of DfC's work during his visit to Northern Ireland. The announcement has received positive feedback from local political leaders, highlighting its importance for regional economic balance.