DVA workers complete last shift at County Derry tax office
Driver Vehicle Agency workers in Coleraine will switch off their computers for the final time this evening.
More than 300 DVA jobs, the majority of which are in Coleraine, will be lost as a result of the motor tax services being moved to Swansea.
Today, SDLP MLA John Dallat said the campaign to bring new jobs to replace the 300 jobs lost must continue despite the apathy of most government departments in the North.
Mr Dallat, who has campaigned for many years on behalf of the workers, said: “I want to pay tribute to my SDLP colleagues Alex Attwood and Mark H Durkan who did everything possible in their role as ministers to retain the functions of the DVLA in Northern Ireland.
“Unfortunately, they got precious little support from other government departments who could have made a difference had they wanted to.
“From tomorrow, it will be a mopping up exercise in Coleraine and, while the 50 jobs created by Mark H Durkan are welcome and the 100 temporary jobs from DSD which last until Christmas is not to be rejected there is a need to continue the campaign for new jobs to replace the majority of the permanent posts which are now effectively lost.
“When I spoke to workers today there is still a feeling of disbelief that so many stood idly by and didn’t put the same effort to persuading the British government as they have done on many other issues far less important than the loss of hundreds of jobs.
“Nevertheless, the doomsday situation cannot be accepted and those affected must not be left on the scrap heap. There is ample opportunity to seriously decentralise jobs from Belfast to other areas where even a small number of posts would make a significant difference to people and the local economy.”
Mr Dallat added: “Personally, this is not a good day, but I take comfort from having had the privilege of representing some of the most wonderful people I have ever met in public life. I have no doubt their campaign will inspire others yet to be affected by Britain’s disgraceful treatment of local workers to take up the challenge to fight for jobs in the public sector that are absolutely essential.”