Former Ilex staff for tribunal in redundancy row

Staff who were once employed at a government-run regeneration body in Londonderry are to take legal action against the Executive over the manner in which they lost their jobs.

Ilex was set up in 2003, initially to develop two former military bases in the city, but it closed its doors in March this year amid accusations that it had failed to deliver on its objectives. A number of employees were made redundant as a result.

Now, however, those former Ilex workers are to go to an industrial tribunal, accusing the NI Executive of breaching employment law.

An independent report, published last year, had taken Ilex to task over alleged failings in relation to the development of the Fort George and Ebrington sites. The review said that there had been a lack of progress in developing infrastructure at the locations, particularly in terms of business and accommodation facilities.

For its part, Ilex has pointed to its success in the development of the Peace Bridge in Derry and the opening of the NI Science Park at the former Fort George site. Both sites are currently under the control of the Executive but responsibility will eventually be given to Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Nine employees are now taking action against the Executive, claiming that TUPE regulations have been breached and that their jobs should have been transferred.

The Executive has said that it cannot commit until after an industrial tribunal, which should sit early next year.