Derry City and Strabane District Council voted on Wednesday to withdraw any involvement in organising or marketing future jobs fairs that include the British Armed Forces.

The motion, proposed by Sinn Féin councillor Christopher Jackson, said the presence of the Armed Forces at a recent Department for Communities jobs fair had been a barrier for some people seeking work. Jackson said the legacy of the Armed Forces in the city had been one of trauma, hurt and destruction. He added that the presence of the military had caused hurt to families and victims.

Jackson told the meeting that preparations were already underway for a council-run jobs fair without the British military. He said the council had an opportunity to hold its own event and that residents should not be intimidated out of seeking career opportunities.

SDLP councillor Rory Farrell said his party fully supported the motion, stating that his party did not support any organ of the British military being invited to a jobs fair in the council area, and that the council should have no role in facilitating such events.

DUP councillor Niree McMorris opposed the motion, arguing that jobs fairs should be inclusive and provide equal access to careers. She said excluding the armed forces denied local people the chance to learn about a legitimate career path. McMorris said many former members of the Armed Forces lived in the area and deserved neither discrimination nor exclusion. She added that the council should not decide which lawful employers are politically acceptable.

UUP councillor Darren Guy also raised concerns. While acknowledging the reasons some councillors opposed the Armed Forces presence, he said a jobs fair is about choice and the armed forces is a legitimate employer. Guy questioned whether the motion could go against the council's equality and good relations policy. He also criticised removing an employment option for people who might lack qualifications for other jobs.

The council's senior solicitor told members that the motion would result in a paper being brought before all elected members where relevant matters would be addressed.

The motion passed with 34 votes for, five against and no abstentions.