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07/05/2003
Desmonds factory closures criticised
West Tyrone Ulster Unionist member, Derek Hussey has expressed his anger and frustration at the latest job losses from Desmonds.
The clothing manufacturer yesterday announced it is to close three of its manufacturing factories in the North West with 482 jobs set to go.
Commenting on the news, Mr Hussey said: "Within the announcement from Desmond's it is, to say the least, frustrating to read that 'it provides employment for another 5,384 In Its overseas Joint venture factories and third party manufacturing units in Turkey, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh'. Jobs are being transferred from Northern Ireland to cheaper bases in third world countries.
"Government Departments and Ministers must intervene in the entire economic structure immediately to give hope to our constituents of real employment prospects within the area."
Mr Hussey claimed yesterday's announcement would have a detrimental impact on the entire population of West Tyrone as well as local business.
He added: "Together with other local representatives, I have been stressing to Government the need to increase the diversification of employment opportunities in West Tyrone in order to avoid the over-dependence of our constituency on the textile industry.
“Perhaps Northern Ireland Office Ministers will now realise the importance of arresting further economic deterioration in the West.
"I have been in contact with my party's Enterprise and Trade spokesperson, former Minister Sir Reg Empey, to set up meetings with NIO Ministers in various Government Departments in order urge a beginning to a co-ordinated inter-Departmental approach to what has become a nightmare.”
Yesterday's announcement proposed the end of production at three sites which will mean 229 redundancies in Omagh (men’s and women’s trousers), 130 in Swatragh (pyjamas) and 115 in Irvinestown (men’s and women’s leisurewear).
In addition, the company is looking to axe five jobs at the Newbuildings factory in Co Londonderry with a further three redundancies at Drumahoe.
(MB)
The clothing manufacturer yesterday announced it is to close three of its manufacturing factories in the North West with 482 jobs set to go.
Commenting on the news, Mr Hussey said: "Within the announcement from Desmond's it is, to say the least, frustrating to read that 'it provides employment for another 5,384 In Its overseas Joint venture factories and third party manufacturing units in Turkey, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh'. Jobs are being transferred from Northern Ireland to cheaper bases in third world countries.
"Government Departments and Ministers must intervene in the entire economic structure immediately to give hope to our constituents of real employment prospects within the area."
Mr Hussey claimed yesterday's announcement would have a detrimental impact on the entire population of West Tyrone as well as local business.
He added: "Together with other local representatives, I have been stressing to Government the need to increase the diversification of employment opportunities in West Tyrone in order to avoid the over-dependence of our constituency on the textile industry.
“Perhaps Northern Ireland Office Ministers will now realise the importance of arresting further economic deterioration in the West.
"I have been in contact with my party's Enterprise and Trade spokesperson, former Minister Sir Reg Empey, to set up meetings with NIO Ministers in various Government Departments in order urge a beginning to a co-ordinated inter-Departmental approach to what has become a nightmare.”
Yesterday's announcement proposed the end of production at three sites which will mean 229 redundancies in Omagh (men’s and women’s trousers), 130 in Swatragh (pyjamas) and 115 in Irvinestown (men’s and women’s leisurewear).
In addition, the company is looking to axe five jobs at the Newbuildings factory in Co Londonderry with a further three redundancies at Drumahoe.
(MB)
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