Shock at Bombardier job cuts in Northern Ireland

Reacting to the shock news of job cuts at Bombardier Aerospace, the former Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey said the announcement was a "bitter blow" to East Belfast.

He added: "I have known for some time that there are continuing difficulties in the corporate jet market. The threat of war with Iraq, and the recent announcement that United Airlines in the US is in administration are the two most likely causes of the market slump.

”I hope that the company will do all it can to ensure that the Belfast operation is not unfairly treated within the Bombardier group, and I call on the government to do all in its power to mitigate the potential losses."

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) also expressed concern over the expected job losses saying that many small businesses throughout east Belfast could be affected.

Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chairman, said: “This is very bad news, both to the 1,200 workers and to the local economy in east Belfast.

“Bombardier is a major employer in east Belfast and therefore we are concerned that it could have a detrimental affect on the local small businesses who are involved in supplying the firm.

“With so many redundancies, the reduction in spending power will clearly hit the pocket of many small retailers in East Belfast."

Meanwhile, Strangford Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Hamilton said he would be seeking urgent talks with management at Short Brothers in Newtownards over the future of the company’s factory there.

The assembly member said he is concerned for the future of the employees in Newtownards following today's announcement.

Mr Hamilton said: “Shorts has provided work for so many people for such a long time and it is worrying that Bombardier are intending to lay off 3,000 employees in Canada and Northern Ireland.

“I have already been in contact with the Belfast operation who have confirmed the news. However, at this early stage it is not yet known what the future holds for the Newtownards operation.

“I will be seeking a meeting with management as soon as possible although I understand that talks are beginning with union representatives now."

(MB)