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Redundant workers will get our full support - Empey

2 April 2009

Employment Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has vowed that he will work tirelessly to support all those who have been made redundant as a result of the economic downturn.

In the wake of the latest jobs loss announcement at Bombardier, he said: “In the past four days we have learnt of approximately 1,400 job losses.  The scale of this recession and the impact it is having on our local businesses is unprecedented.  It is imperative that we, as an Executive, pool our resources and do our best for those affected.

“An urgent meeting has been arranged with the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and together we must move forward to provide help to those in need.  The manufacturing industry, which accounts for 12% of all employees here, has been severely hit and the numbers claiming benefit from this sector have almost doubled in the past year.  This is a crisis situation which is further eroding Northern Ireland’s manufacturing base.

“We must not forget that behind each announcement of a loss of a job is an individual and his/her family.  These are very difficult times and I am determined that my Department will provide advice, information and support to assist these individuals to move into other employment or to train, re-train and/or up-skill.  We must ensure that Northern Ireland retains and builds on its skilled workforce so that we can take advantage of the upturn in the economy, when it comes.”

The Assembly’s Employment and Learning Committee have also reacted with shock and dismay to the announcements this week of so many job losses. The Committee's Chairperson, Sue Ramsey MLA, and Deputy Chairperson, Robin Newton MLA, have offered their full support to the Minister in his task to help those affected.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. All media enquiries to Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on telephone 028 9025 7872.  Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.