Self-service pension systemto reduce staff

That’s according to the Personnel Minister Simon Hamilton who says trade unions and civil servants in Londonderry have been consulted. Mr Hamilton said: “Trade Unions and staff working in Waterside House have been advised that less staff will be required.

“This is because the new system will be an integrated system, which will both pay and administer pensions and will have self service facilities.

“Precise staffing implications are not yet known. Trade Unions and staff in Civil Service Pensions have been consulted by Management since the Civil Service Pensions Future Service Delivery Project was established in December 2012.”

Last week Mr Hamilton told the Assembly: “The Business Case is still being developed and has a number of Departmental approval stages to complete. Civil Service Pensions Branch will continue to exist and be staffed by civil servants as there are a number of other key functions to delivery such as scheme management, policy and legislation and finance.”