Press Release

Committee Concerned with Potential Job Losses in Libraries

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure voiced its concerns today over possible job losses in libraries throughout Northern Ireland.

Libraries NI told the Committee at today’s meeting that, as part of its cost cutting exercise to save £10.285m over the next four years, library staffing hours could be cut by 1200 hours per week. This equates to 33 full time posts. However as many library workers are part time, the impact will be even greater and will greatly affect the predominantly female workforce.

Today’s announcement comes on the back of Libraries NI’s proposals to reduce opening hours and proposals to close up to 10 libraries in mainly rural areas. This follows recent closures of 10 libraries in the Greater Belfast area.

The Chairperson of the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Ms Michelle McIlveen MLA, said: “This is a further blow to library services in Northern Ireland, and will have a significant impact on frontline services across Northern Ireland.

The Committee urges Libraries NI to consider all and every measure to mitigate against these predicted job losses. This option should only be adopted as a last resort once all other avenues have been explored.” 

Notes to Editors:

Committee Membership:

The Chairperson of the Committee is Ms Michelle McIlveen MLA.
The Deputy Chairperson is Mr William Irwin MLA

The Committee has a further nine members:

Mr Dominic Bradley MLA
Mrs Brenda Hale MLA
Mr David Hilditch MLA
Mr Michael McGimpsey MLA
Ms Karen McKevitt MLA
Mr Oliver McMullan MLA [1]
Mr Cathal Ó hOisín MLA
Mr Pat Sheehan MLA
Mr Robin Swann MLA

[1] With effect from 12 September 2011 Mr Oliver McMullan replaced Mr Gerry Kelly

The Clerk to the Committee is Lucia Wilson

Committee Office
Northern Ireland Assembly
Room 344 Parliament Buildings
Stormont Estate, Ballymiscaw
Belfast BT4 3XX
Telephone: 028 90 521620
Fax: 028 90 521355