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Up to 20 staff at Children's Centre to lose jobs

Services also cut amid major "refocus"

A Manx charity, which looks after children, young people and families, has announced up to twenty of its staff are likely to lose their jobs this year.

In its 150th year, The Children's Centre plans to withdraw its early years services from March 23, with its Family Placement Service closing in October.

The decision comes after the charity conducted an 'in depth review' over the last 18 months, and decided to 'refocus' its model.

Of the ninety-five people working for the Children's Centre, up to twenty could  be made redundant - predominately those working in early year services.

Those in the Family Placement Service, contracted by the Health Department, will be transferred into whatever new arrangements the DHSC makes.  

Charity heads say the organisation has to be more sustainable and fit for purpose, with the announcement made now so service users could make other arrangements.

Focus now will be on those who require targeted help and intervention - bosses say many of those with other needs are being supported by government and other providers.

Support is being made available for those who'll loose their jobs and anyone who paid a deposit for services will be refunded.

It's four years since the Children's Centre lost a major government contract.

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