A GOVERNMENT minister has held back from making any promises about the future of MOD jobs in York.

But a council boss has welcomed his personal assurances that officials will work with the city in a bid to safeguard civilian posts.

Cllr Andrew Waller, deputy leader of the council, wrote to the MOD about the closure plans for York’s barracks - and fears about civilian jobs at the two sites. Now he has had a reply from defence minister Tobias Ellwood, which he says is encouraging even though the minister has held back from promising to keep the jobs in York.

In a letter to Cllr Waller, Mr Ellwood said he understood how significant the two barracks sites - Imphal on Fulford Road and Queen Elizabeth in Strensall - were to the city.

He said that even though Imphal is not up to standard for modern work, they would try to keep the jobs nearby.

The minister wrote: “The closure of Imphal Barracks in still over 10 years away, and future Plans for Defence Business Services - UK National Security Vetting (UKNVS) are still in progress. I am not in a position at this time to be able to provide assurances to staff based on the site.

“Imphal itself is currently suboptimal for a modern professional organisation and while UKNSV needed a secure site from which to operate being within an existing military base is not an absolute requirement.

“I can however assure you that my officials will work closely with your council and Government Property Agency to explore opportunities within the Hubs programme to keep the civilian posts within the local area and find a solution that is beneficial to all parties.”

Cllr Waller welcomed the personal assurance, adding: “I have now asked council officers to make contact with the MOD, in order to ensure both organisations work closely to manage the impact of the closures and ultimately, achieve the best possible outcome. York is proud of its connection with our armed forces and I am pleased that the Ministry of Defence has acknowledged the strength of feeling concerning these sites.”