It probably wouldn't have bee the wisest idea to exclude Belfast from chosen areas as Belfast is where the majority of the jobs are. I'm going to send a few emails to senior mgmt today to try and get an idea as to what is going on, or not going on, and timescales. I think they will need to make a decision soon whether to freeze recruitment or not. It would make sense to freeze it now and review in 6-12 months. I would prefer to freeze it now and then reopen if and when we get back up on our feet, rather than keep it open and lift 1 or 2 people off it every month. Clarity would be good, and for existing Civil Servants on this forum, don't be afraid to ask your Director what is going on, they will be able to be straight with you, unless you work in DfC. Unfrotunately DfC staff will more than likely not have access to their Director