PM Urged To Intervene As Wrightbus Goes Under

Unions and politicians alike have united in their call for Government intervention to save thousands of jobs at Wrightbus.

The Unite union confirmed on Wednesday that the Ballymena bus manufacturer has entered administration, a move that places 1,400 workers and 1,700 supply chain jobs under direct threat.

Wrightbus had been in talks with potential buyers for a number of weeks after confirming it was suffering cash flow problems, however they failed to reach a successful conclusion.

Regional Secretary for Unite Jackie Pollock said today's announcement means staff employed directly by the firm are facing immediate redundancy.

The union has called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to nationalise the firm and save jobs, the company, and the wider economy of Ballymena.

Mr Pollock said: "He must now intervene to safeguard these workers' jobs and skills and a future for Ballymena by nationalising this business – there's no EU state aid rules that could prevent it.

"Ballymena has already lost thousands of decent, union jobs with the closure of JTI-Gallaher and Michelin in recent years, and most recently 86 jobs at Blackbourne – we face the prospect of further devastation should this closure be allowed to proceed.

"We call on Boris Johnson to 'take back control' and nationalise to invest in securing UK bus manufacturing capacity."

Alliance Party Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA echoed the call for UK Government action to find an alternative buyer for Wrightbus and secure future employment for staff.

"It also needs to help those workers who are set to lose their jobs," the north Down MLA said.

"The workforce is already highly skilled, but where necessary, processes to accelerate retraining or accreditation of skills should be put in place, and jobs fairs organised to facilitate alternative employment opportunities."

Local Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan advocated for supports to ensure the continued employment of those being made redundant by the collapse.

Mr McGuigan said the situation is both a tragedy for the workforce and "a hammer blow" for the local economy.

"Wrightbus is a huge employer in its own right but also a massive part of the manufacturing supply chain so this will have a major knock-on effect on smaller sub contractors and local suppliers," the north Antrim MLA said.

"Ballymena and North Antrim are still reeling from a number of major blows in the manufacturing industry over recent years, and the crisis at Wrightbus, plus the ongoing uncertainty over Brexit, will only add to the pressure that has been created in the local economy and community."

Others are still holding out hope that steps can be taken to find a buyer for the company, which is best known for creating the London double-decker Routemaster buses.

Ulster Unionist MLA for the area Robin Swann called for all efforts to be concentrated on coming to an arrangement with potential buyers.

A number of Chinese firms and one local company are understood to have shown an interest in recent weeks, it's been reported.

"Words of sympathy won't cut it," the UUP Leader said.

"There is still an opportunity here that must be seized, but time is short. All efforts must be concentrated on coming to an arrangement with potential buyers."

Expressing solidarity with all affected at Wrightbus, Democratic Unionist Melvyn Storey highlighted the potential for supply chain damage following the "further blow to Northern Ireland's manufacturing sector".

"Clearly questions have to be asked as to how the company has arrived at this sad situation, however today should be about the staff and all effected," the local MLA commented.

"I hope that a resolution can be quickly found, so there is a future for a company that has played such an important part in so many peoples lives for many years."



(JG/CM)