Job Loss Fears Remain Over Translink 'Cuts'

Northern Ireland's transport company, Translink is insisting that it does not expect imminent restructuring to lead to job losses.

Compulsory redundancies are feared by unions, who believed that hundreds of jobs could be lost.

However, Chief Executive Catherine Mason told the unions there is "no expectation of compulsory redundancies within any of the Translink companies".

A statement this week said: "Despite the absence of detail of the currently 'being drafted' corporate plan, management's view was that growth in the Translink operations was the primary aim and that if any funding difficulties arise from the current economic downturn in the future, then trade union representatives will be appraised in the first instance."

But, Translink has to make up a shortfall of at least £11.5 million and is expected to sell off some of its depots, including one in Belfast's Short Strand, in an attempt to save money.

The debate is ongoing as trade unions are now due to meet with NI Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy later this month to discuss re-structuring within Translink.

(BMcC/JM)