7th Floor Millennium House
19-25 Great Victoria Street
Belfast BT2 7AQ
Web: www.niscc.info
In this section we provide an introductory outline of some general, relevant and practical reference points and information that will be of use to social workers coming to the North of Ireland for the first time and taking up employment in either jurisdiction. While some information will be applicable to social workers themselves, other information will be useful in dealing with client groups.
Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and Central Statistics Office. 2000. Ireland North and South - a statistical profile. Dublin and Belfast: NISRA and CSO.
The European Union website Dialogue with Citizens and Business at www.ec.europa.eu/citizensrights/ gives information on living and working in another EU country.
Area: 14,139 square kilometres (8,766 square miles).
Main city: Belfast.
Population: 1.685 million. In 2001, just over 24% were under 16 and 54% were aged under 35.
Official language: English.
Form of Government: Direct Rule from the UK government following the suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Religion: In the 2001 census, religious breakdown of the population was reported as 43.76% Catholic, 53.13% as Protestant (where Protestant represented Protestant and other Christian, including Christian related).39%% as Other and 2.72% as none.
Migration: Prior to the 1990s, there was substantial emigration from the North of Ireland. Since, a more balanced migration pattern is noted which includes increased immigration. The majority of the migration occurs to and from England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
Ethnic minorities: In the 2001 Census the 4 main ethnic minority groups of Chinese, Pakistani, Asian and Traveller communities made up less than 1% of the total population of Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, McAuley House, 2-14 Castle Street, Belfast BT1 1SA. Tel: (028) 9034 8100. Fax: (028) 9034 8106. Website: www.nisra.gov.uk
Further information on a range of social and political material relevant to Northern Ireland can be accessed from the ARK project website www.ark.ac.uk - ARK is a joint project between the Queen's University of Belfast and the University of Ulster and has three components: Online Research Bank, Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, and Conflict Archive on the Internet.
The main employment sectors in the North of Ireland have historically been manufacturing, concentrated on the shipbuilding and aerospace industries around Belfast, and agriculture. The shipbuilding and aerospace industries have both reduced significantly over recent years. The process of political settlement, most notably since the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement of May 1998, has presented a number of new opportunities for the economy, including the growth of the tourist industry.
Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment, Netherleigh, Massey Avenue, Belfast BT4 2JP. Tel: (028) 9052 9900. E-mail: information@detini.gov.uk - Web: www.detini.gov.uk
Invest Northern Ireland, Bedford House, Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7ES. Tel: (028) 9023 9090. Fax: (028) 9043 6536. E-mail: info@investni.com - Web: www.investni.com
Citizens from any of the 28 member states of the European Economic Area (EEA) do not require a work permit, residency permit or registration with the police. EEA citizens have the right to take up employment in Northern Ireland and to enjoy the same treatment and conditions as other citizens in regard to pay, working conditions, social security and trade union membership. Citizens from the new Accession countries are legally required to register with the Home Office within 1 month of starting work under the Workers Registration Scheme (WRS). Applicants can download an application form from the website www.workingintheuk.org
Immigration matters are dealt with centrally by the Home Office, Immigration and Nationality Directorate.
Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries should enquire about work permits with Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the Home Office.
Some nationalities also require entry visas. Visa applications must normally be made through the UK diplomatic missions in the country of permanent residence.
Home Office, Immigration and Nationality Directorate, Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR9 2BY, United Kingdom. Tel: (0870) 606 7766. Web: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk - Some enquiries and applications can also be made in writing to Belfast Public Enquiry Office, Belfast Immigration Office, Olive Tree House, Fountain Street, Belfast BT1 5EA.
UK Visas www.ukvisas.gov.uk
Information on visa procedures and overseas diplomatic missions can be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office London, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH, United Kingdom. Tel: (020) 7270 1500. Web: www.fco.gov.uk
The UK-wide Inland Revenue is responsible for the tax system. Those coming from another jurisdiction to work in the North of Ireland for the first time will need a National Insurance Number. To obtain this it is necessary to contact one of the following Jobs and Benefits offices and ask for National Insurance section:
Initial contact is by telephone interview followed by a face-to-face interview in the local office.
A full list of local social security offices is available from the agency website www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/dsd_contact_us/ssa_offices_a-z.htm
The Citizens Advice Bureaux can provide information on issues related to employment. A full list of local Citizens Advice Bureaux can be obtained from the Northern Ireland Citizens Advice Regional Office, 46 Donegall Pass , Belfast BT7 1BS. Tel: (028) 90231120 or from the agency website: www.citizensadvice.co.uk
Inland Revenue: www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk
Social work positions are mainly advertised in daily newspapers such as the Belfast Telegraph (Tuesdays) and the Irish News (Thursdays). They may also be advertised in professional journals and publications, on jobs databases on the Internet and with recruitment agencies.
• Some daily newspapers are available on the Internet, e.g. the Irish News Website: www.irishnews.com/ and the Belfast Telegraph Website: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/
• There are 35 Job Centres or Jobs and Benefits offices that advertise vacancies across Northern Ireland. Also the vacancies are displayed on their website www.jobcentreonline.com
- check the section under Service Provision
Translink is the state-owned transport service covering bus and rail services through its three operating companies Ulsterbus, Citybus and Northern Ireland Railways.
Most employers require social workers to have their own transport.
Translink web: www.translink.co.uk
The Department of Education is responsible for the provision of education from five to 16 years. The Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) is responsible for third level education, which includes universities. Private education options are available at all levels. Education in the Irish language is available at primary and secondary levels.
• Department of Education, Rathgael House, Bangor, Co. Down. BT19 7PR. E-mail: mail@deni.gov.uk Web: www.deni.gov.uk/
• Department for Employment and Learning , Adelaide House,
39 -49 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8FD. Tel: (028) 9025 7777. Fax: 028 9025 7778. E-mail: del@nics.gov.uk Web: www.delni.gov.uk
English is the official working language. Irish and Ulster Scots are recognised languages used by a minority of the population.
Information on language school/classes is available from public libraries, universities and colleges of further and higher education.
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland promotes Irish and Ulster Scots by assisting with publications, supporting projects and subsidising the arts. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, MacNeice House, 77 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6AQ. Tel: (028) 90385200. Fax: (028) 90661715. E-mail: info@artscouncil-ni.org - Web: www.artscouncil-ni.org
- back to top -