Caterpillar NI To Axe 100 Jobs

Caterpillar NI has announced it is to axe 100 jobs.

50 permanent full time jobs are being lost as well as 50 agency staff.

In a statement, Caterpillar NI said the cuts were due to current weaknesses in the economies of some key markets.

The statement said: "The company is therefore taking necessary measures during this time to help support the competitiveness and sustainability of the business for the future.

"This includes reducing our permanent workforce by approximately 50 positions and releasing approximately 50 agency workers. We know this is difficult for our employees and their families, and resources will be provided to assist impacted employees during this transition."

Ulster Unionist economy spokesperson Adrian Cochrane-Watson has slammed the attitude of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister as being "complacent and out of touch".

Mr Cochrane-Watson said: "In his recent appearances at the dispatch box in the Assembly, Minister Bell has given the impression that all is rosy in the garden. His attitude at Question Time and during a debate in the Assembly yesterday was quite shocking. When I raised the plight of manufacturing and the workers who are losing their jobs, he accused me of lying and being ignorant of my constituency. This, from a Minister who, unlike myself, has no real life experience of running a business in the private sector.

"The Minister needs to take his position seriously, learn to accept criticism with good grace, and accept that being Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment is not all about smiling for the camera at photo opportunities."

(CD/JP)