Government called on to help save textile jobs

Local political representatives were seeking an urgent meeting with NIO Enterprise Minister Ian Pearson today following the news that Carpet International has gone into receivership.

Around 430 jobs are under threat at the carpet manufacturer's two Northern Ireland operations in Killinchy and Donaghadee after a receiver, PricewaterhouseCoopers, was appointed on Wednesday.

North Down DUP representative, Peter Weir said he was "shocked" by the news. "This is obviously a major blow to a hard working and loyal workforce, and our thoughts must be with them. It would be wrong to speculate at this early stage but I am very concerned at the potential threat to jobs in the area," he said.

"It is vital that government offer whatever help they can to alleviate the situation and provide assistance to the workforce. Along with colleagues I will also be seeking a meeting with government and management and to see what help local representatives can be in the current crisis.”

One of Britain's largest carpet manufacturer, Carpets International trades under the Kosset, Wilton Royal and Abingdon brands.

The company currently employs about 1,200 people in the UK, 290 of these in Donaghadee and 140 at its spinning yarn in Killinchy.

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