Unions to demand withdrawal of civil service promotion plan

Unions representing civil and public servants are due to meet government officials today to discuss their opposition to plans to limit future promotions to staff involved in the decentralisation programme.

The unions have threatened to cease all co-operation with decentralisation unless the Department of Finance withdraws the controversial plan.

Speaking ahead of today's talks, IMPACT assistant general secretary Tom Hoare said: "IMPACT is co-operating with decentralisation, is in favour of it, as long as it's voluntary.

"It's not going to be at the expense of people who have to stay behind because they're not in a position or not willing to transfer."