§ 10. Mr. William Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will consider making changes in the scheme for compensation for workers who have been forced to leave their employment, or who have been dismissed, for reasons directly attributable to the civil disturbances.
§ Dr. BoysonI have no plans at present to do so, but I shall take note of any representations that the hon. Gentleman wishes to make.
§ Mr. RossGiven that jobs are so scarce in Northern Ireland, is not the loss of a job, whether after six months or 20 years, for whatever reason, a very serious matter? Will the Minister look at the legislation for compensation that is tied to the redundancy payments scheme? After a short time at work some people have been forced out of their jobs by direct terrorist threats, and that is a very serious problem for them.
§ Dr. BoysonI appreciate the hon. Gentleman's concern. The compensation scheme has been tied to the redundancy scheme. Anyone who has worked for a minimum of two years before being forced out of his job is already in the scheme. But if it is obvious that many people are being forced out within one or two years, we shall have to look again at the scheme.