BY MARK MCKELVEY
UNEMPLOYMENT in the Omagh area is soaring and bringing real hardship to families as the recession continues to bite, according to latest figures.
The number of local people out of work and claiming Job Seekers Allowance rose by a startling 32% over a three-month period during the summer.
Figures obtained by the UH clearly illustrate the devastating effects the current economic instability is having locally.
It was revealed the number of people seeking unemployment benefits from the Social Security Office in Omagh rose from 629 in May to 831 in August - a rise of 32.1%. This figure then dropped to 803 at the end of October, which still constitutes a rise of 27.6% over a six month period.
Meanwhile, the number of enquiries received by the Omagh Independent Advice Centre relating to redundancy have gone up by 50% when compared to this time last year.
Deputy manager of the Advice Centre, Michael Roddy, commented that this stark rise has been particularly noticeable within the past six months, making particular reference to the impact the collapse of the construction industry has had on the Omagh district and the snowball affect on the whole economy.
"The biggest problem at the moment is that we are facing is the stark rise in redundancies. There are people who have worked their entire lives and are not sure what benefits are available to them now."
He also revealed that many of those who have recently been made redundant may not be receiving the financial compensation package from their employer that they are entitled to.
"People simply don't know what they are entitled to as they have never been in this situation before. There are regulations to ensure people receive fair severance packages when they have been made redundant."
However, Mr Roddy said there is a time limit to these compensation payments that employers are required to pay, and he encouraged people to seek advice immediately to ensure they get what they are entitled to now, warning that it will no longer be an option to them two or three months down the line.
The bulk of Mr Roddy's work is related to social security issues, and representing people at benefit tribunals. He said it is a very stressful environment at present as people with large mortgage repayments are going from a good solid wage to suddenly having to manage with a weekly job seekers allowance of around £60.
"If you have been made redundant, it is essential to immediately consider what this means to your finances in order to meet other outstanding debts," advised Mr Roddy.
Omagh Independent advice Centre can be contacted on 02882243252.
