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Employment Department will help redundant Britvic workers

19 March 2010

Official confirmation on the number of job losses in Britvic was received yesterday by the Department for Employment and Learning.

Employment Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has outlined what his Department will do to actively help redundant Britvic workers and all those affected by redundancy.

In a month that has already seen job losses at Tyrone Crystal, Britvic Northern Ireland's announcement that there will be job cuts due to the end of a distribution contract with C&C is another significant blow to the economy.

Sir Reg said that his Department was ready to provide practical help and assistance to those affected.  The Minister said: "My Department has just received official notification of 52 job losses in Britvic which confirms our worst fears.  Just as Tyrone Crystal was decimated by the recession last week so too have many other industries in Northern Ireland in previous months.

"My Department, whilst it cannot create jobs, will continue to work with those affected to examine all options open to them and help them make plans for the future.  My officials set up a redundancy clinic last week in Tyrone Crystal and we will offer the same services to Britvic Northern Ireland.

"This economic recession has left a trail of closed and reduced businesses in its path which will take significant time to recover from.  We must offer support and practical help to those whose lives have been effected."

Notes to editors:

  1. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 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.