This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-34487718

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
New DUP MLA Emma Pengelly to get SPAD severance pay New DUP MLA Emma Pengelly to get SPAD severance pay
(about 1 hour later)
The DUP have confirmed their new South Belfast MLA is to receive a severance payment from her previous job as a special advisor.The DUP have confirmed their new South Belfast MLA is to receive a severance payment from her previous job as a special advisor.
The Irish News reported that Emma Pengelly, who was co-opted into the assembly seat, was to receive the payment.The Irish News reported that Emma Pengelly, who was co-opted into the assembly seat, was to receive the payment.
She used to work in the Office of the First and Deputy First Ministers.She used to work in the Office of the First and Deputy First Ministers.
Special advisors are civil servants that are appointed by ministers to work on party political matters.Special advisors are civil servants that are appointed by ministers to work on party political matters.
'Contractual obligation''Contractual obligation'
A DUP spokesperson said: "Emma Pengelly receives a severance payment in accordance with the terms and conditions of her contract of employment.A DUP spokesperson said: "Emma Pengelly receives a severance payment in accordance with the terms and conditions of her contract of employment.
"Mrs Pengelly will receive her severance payment from her former employer in due course as it is a contractual obligation to resign upon having become identified as an election candidate.""Mrs Pengelly will receive her severance payment from her former employer in due course as it is a contractual obligation to resign upon having become identified as an election candidate."
The new MLA will contest the Stormont election scheduled for next May.The new MLA will contest the Stormont election scheduled for next May.
While the exact amount has not been published, special advisors who have been in the job at least four years and leave the post under these circumstances are entitled to a severance payment of six months' salary.While the exact amount has not been published, special advisors who have been in the job at least four years and leave the post under these circumstances are entitled to a severance payment of six months' salary.
Mrs Pengelly's annual salary was just under £92,000. Mrs Pengelly's annual salary was just under £92,000. As an MLA she will earn £48,000 a year.
The TUV leader Jim Allister has said Mrs Pengelly should not take the payment. The TUV leader Jim Allister has said Mrs Pengelly should not take the severance payment.