Assembly must take action to protect community sector, union warns

The Northern Ireland Assembly must take “immediate and decisive action” to address a deepening funding crisis facing the community and voluntary sector, a trade union has warned.

Unison said hundreds of workers in the sectors face losing their jobs due to a reduction in funding.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is replaced by the Local Growth Fund on April 1.

In 2023, EU funding to charities and community groups in Northern Ireland from its European Social Fund (ESF) was ended because of Brexit.

It was replaced by the UKSPF which will in turn be replaced by the Local Growth Fund.

That new fund has a 70/30 capital-to-revenue split, resulting in funding cuts to the voluntary and community sector.

Unison said the sector is now facing a “deepening funding crisis”.

A statement said: “This sector is a vital pillar of support for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“It delivers essential frontline services that individuals, families, and communities rely on every day. Yet it is now at breaking point.

“Without urgent intervention, hundreds of skilled and dedicated workers face the very real prospect of losing their jobs.

“These are not just numbers — they are experienced professionals whose work underpins critical services across health, social care, and community support.”

The union warned that the “consequences of inaction will be severe”.

It said: “As jobs are lost, services will inevitably be reduced or withdrawn altogether.

“This will leave service users – many of whom are already at significant risk – without the support they need to stay safe, well, and connected.

“The impact will be felt most acutely by those who can least afford it.”

The statement added: “The Northern Ireland Assembly must act now to provide sustainable, long-term funding that protects jobs and ensures the continuation of essential services.

“At 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.

“Failure to act at both levels will not only result in widespread job losses but will also place unacceptable pressure on already overstretched public services.

“Investing in the community and voluntary sector is not optional – it is essential.

“We 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.”