JOB losses are planned at the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure.

Minister Tim Crookall MHK has made it clear positions will have to go as the department needs to reduce staffing costs.

The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure's budget has been reduced by £443,000 for the coming year and the department has said this is in addition to loan charges, energy and fuel price increases, general inflation and pay awards, all of which will have to be absorbed within the target budget.

As a result the department will have to achieve annual savings of more than £1.5m.

Mr Crookall said: "At present 77 per cent of the department's costs are staffing related and the Chief Minister has challenged all departments to achieve a 10 per cent reduction in staffing costs.

"Where possible these savings will be found through normal staff turnover, voluntary redundancy, early retirement and reviewing pay terms and conditions.

"However to meet savings targets whilst not reducing services, restructuring is a necessity.

"My department has been open and transparent about the need to concentrate on the commercial approach and the impact this could have on staffing.

"Unfortunately we must reduce the number of posts, particularly within management and administration.

"This restructuring will be conducted in consultation with affected staff and in a supportive and sensitive manner."