90 Jobs At Risk In Lisburn Bottling Plant

Up to 90 jobs are at risk at a Coca-Cola bottling plant in County Antrim, the BBC has reported.

The US-based drinks giant plans to outsource its Northern Ireland distribution to another company, as part of a company-wide restructuring.

The firm told staff at the Knockmore plant near Lisburn they would enter into a 30-day consultation period.

A spokesperson said: "We will be using a third-party distribution company, and hope that some employees may transfer to that company."

Unite spokesman Sean McKeever said staff were shocked and astonished.

And Stephen Martin, a councillor for Lisburn, said the bad news had "come as a bolt out of the blue".

He called on Coca-Cola to work with employees and representatives, saying the impact on staff "could not be underestimated".

The Alliance Party man said: "Coca-Cola has always been viewed in Lisburn as one of our leading employers, having taken a very active role in the community.

"We have got to look at ways in which we can work with Coca-Cola to lessen the impact of these job losses.

"The 30-day consultation period within the company, while a commercial decision, gives no real time to allow for alternative solutions to be worked out or for staff to come to terms for the changes that lie ahead."

(NE)