MORE than 100 new Civil Service jobs are set to come to York - bringing hope to those affected by the closure of the pensions centre at Monks Cross.

The pension Service today said the city will head up the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS), the Government body established to help people whose pension schemes have collapsed.

The FAS office will be based in the existing pension building at Monks Cross, which should shut in March with the loss of 300 jobs.

York MP Hugh Bayley said he had received confirmation from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) that it would be moving jobs to York.

He has received a letter from Alexis Cleveland, the chief executive of the Pension Service, which confirms York's place as the new administrative centre for FAS.

She wrote: "As a result of this, people currently based in that centre will have the opportunity to apply for jobs with the FAS.

"Success in finding an alternative use for York pension centre demonstrates that the capability of the people within the Pension Service is highly valued."

Reports today said that the DWP's Permanent Secretary, Sir Richard Mottram, said the suitability and age of the building, as well as its location, had been taken into account in deciding the location of the FAS offices.

Mr Bayley, who has campaigned for the Monks Cross centre to be given a new role, said: "I have been in close touch with the DWP to get these jobs to York and I hope they will be recruiting staff very soon."

Last June, it was announced that the York Pension Centre would not be required to carry out pension service work in the future.

Open for only three years, the DWP indicated that unless an opportunity was found to re-deploy the site and the people working there, it would close in 2005.

Although it is expected to close in March, a firm date has not yet been set.

Updated: 10:57 Friday, January 14, 2005