Britvic Puts Further Squeeze On Staffing

Two Belfast politicians have separately expressed their regret over fresh jobs losses in a local soft drinks company.

The Alliance party said the further three job losses at the Britvic company on the Castlereagh Road - following dozens at the plant last year - was bad news.

East Belfast Westminster MP Naomi Long (pictured) said: "This further loss of jobs is deeply regrettable, particularly given that there were 45 jobs lost at the east Belfast base.

"The company has been restructuring across Ireland and, unfortunately, a further three jobs are to be lost from the plant as a result, with other areas also being affected.

"The hope is that the changes being made will put the company on a more sustainable footing going forward and protect the remaining jobs; however, that will be little comfort to those directly affected and their families, particularly in such a difficult economic climate."

Just over 90 employees remain at Britvic locally with the hope being this will be the last of the staff cuts.

Robin Newton, the East Belfast DUP MLA has also expressed deep disappointment at the further jobs losses.

"Although the number of posts to be made redundant is small this is unpleasant New Year news.

"Behind the job losses are the human stories of families and future potential hardships.

"The job statistics mask the difficulties that will occur and the Government needs to ensure all the help that is available in this type of situation is offered to the employees and the company," said the Stormont Junior Minister and long serving Belfast City Councillor.

"Providing support to the employee is the role of Department of Employment and Learning and I am calling on the Minister Danny Kennedy to make sure this assistance is provided," he concluded on Thursday.

(BMcC/GK)