FIRST Minister Rhodri Morgan is pressing for London civil service jobs to be relocated to Newport.

Mr Morgan's intervention came after he was asked to look into the matter by Newport East AM John Griffiths.

It follows a government report on moving civil service jobs out of London and into the regions.

The Lyons Report caused concern in the city when it recommended Cardiff, Swansea and Rhondda Cynon Taff as sites - but failed to mention Newport.

The First Minister has been in London discussing the civil service move with ministers and the authors of the report.

Mr Morgan told the Argus: "I had a very fruitful discussion with those involved with regionalising civil service jobs. I pressed the case of Newport because it has a very strong case with fantastic transport links and a flexible workforce. I got a positive response although it is far too early to say how many jobs will be coming to Wales."

John Griffiths welcomed the First Minister's intervention, saying Newport is the ideal location for civil service jobs.

Mr Griffiths said: "With the Passport Agency and Patent Office well established in Newport, the city has a proven track record in this area. I am very encouraged by what Rhodri has had to say and I hope we will get some good news soon.

"Newport council, myself and Newport Unlimited believe that these kind of jobs are vital to Newport's development. Unlike some call centre or high tech jobs they are long term and very stable."

Newport Unlimited's Graham Moore also welcomed the move, saying that Newport had a proven track record for the relocation of government offices.

Mr Moore said: "Newport has done extremely well with the Passport Office, the Office of National Statistics and the Patent Office and we want to build on that.

"As part of our vision for regeneration we want to bring new offices into the heart of Newport city centre. Civil service jobs are highly skilled and provide a great deal of stability for the local economy so we will be pressing for them to come and take advantages of the opportunities offered in Newport."