Schrader Electronics To Axe 125 Jobs In Carrickfergus

Manufacturing firm Schrader Electronics is to axe 125 jobs at its Carrickfergus site.

The firm, which is owned by Sensata Technologies, employs over 1,300 staff in Northern Ireland.

The company, which also has a site in Antrim, blamed a "drop in expected demand for some of the products currently manufactured in NI".

Workers in Antrim will not be affected.

Graeme Thompson, UK general manager from Sensata Technologies, said: "This has been a very difficult decision and all possible alternatives were explored before it was taken. Our focus now is on providing support to the affected employees and their families. To that end we have engaged globally recognised but locally based outsourcing consultants LHH Penna to provide career transition advice and assistance for all affected employees."

Regional Officer at Unite the union Joanne McWilliams said the news is the "latest major blow to the East Antrim area".

She said: "These job-losses once again call into question the absence of a manufacturing strategy for Northern Ireland, the laggard nature of government support and intervention in the economy and the absence of a functioning locally-accountable Executive to respond adequately to what amounts to a jobs crisis in the manufacturing sector, in particular that in the Antrim area.

"Unite will be proactive in seeking to defend the interests of our members in this situation. We don't accept management's explanation for these redundancies and we will want to see much more justification for what amounts to a huge reduction in the workforce. Our union has considerable resources which we will bring to bear to secure the best possible outcome for our members."

Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson said: "It is vital options are outlined to the workforce giving alternatives to compulsory redundancy. Anyone made redundant should be given support and guidance to assist them with next steps, and help them find other suitable employment. I am seeking an urgent meeting with company management to help ensure that is the case.

"This has been a tough few weeks for the wider East and South Antrim area, with disappointing news relating to job losses at Kilroot Power Station, Williams Industrial Services and Schlumberger. While Sensata's commitment to maintaining its manufacturing base in Northern Ireland is welcome, we need to see a functioning Executive so plans can be put in place to address these job losses as a matter of urgency."

(CD/MH)