The Northern Ireland Assembly must take \u201cimmediate and decisive action\u201d to address a deepening funding crisis facing the community and voluntary sector, a trade union has warned.<\/p>\n
Unison said hundreds of workers in the sectors face losing their jobs due to a reduction in funding.<\/p>\n
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is replaced by the Local Growth Fund on April 1.<\/p>\n
In 2023, EU funding to charities and community groups in Northern Ireland from its European Social Fund (ESF) was ended because of Brexit.<\/p>\n
It was replaced by the UKSPF which will in turn be replaced by the Local Growth Fund.<\/p>\n
That new\u00a0fund\u00a0has a 70\/30 capital-to-revenue split, resulting in funding cuts to the voluntary and\u00a0community\u00a0sector.<\/p>\n
Unison said the sector is now facing a \u201cdeepening funding crisis\u201d.<\/p>\n
A statement said: \u201cThis sector is a vital pillar of support for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt delivers essential frontline services that individuals, families, and communities rely on every day. Yet it is now at breaking point.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout urgent intervention, hundreds of skilled and dedicated workers face the very real prospect of losing their jobs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are not just numbers \u2014 they are experienced professionals whose work underpins critical services across health, social care, and community support.\u201d<\/p>\n
The union warned that the \u201cconsequences of inaction will be severe\u201d.<\/p>\n
It said: \u201cAs jobs are lost, services will inevitably be reduced or withdrawn altogether.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will leave service users \u2013 many of whom are already at significant risk \u2013 without the support they need to stay safe, well, and connected.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe impact will be felt most acutely by those who can least afford it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The statement added: \u201cThe Northern Ireland Assembly must act now to provide sustainable, long-term funding that protects jobs and ensures the continuation of essential services.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the same time, the Secretary of State (Hilary Benn) must fulfil his obligations to appropriately secure and allocate the funding necessary to sustain the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
\u201cFailure to act at both levels will not only result in widespread job losses but will also place unacceptable pressure on already overstretched public services.<\/p>\n
\u201cInvesting in the community and voluntary sector is not optional \u2013 it is essential.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe urge elected representatives and the Secretary of State to recognise the urgency of this crisis and to work collectively to deliver the funding solutions that are so desperately needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
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