Political Unity In Face Of Job Losses

Last week's employment loss 'bloodbath' has prompted comments from MPs and MLAs from across the political spectrum, with all expressing their shock at the number of job loss announcements.

The most senior politician to comment, First Minister Peter Robinson, who is also the East Belfast MP, said Northern Ireland was "reeling from a massive blow" after a week of job losses.

"All we as an Executive can do is prepare those who have lost their jobs for new employment, to get out there and encourage investment in Northern Ireland.

"We have to recognise the limitations that exist for a devolved administration.

"Unfortunately Bombardier will feel just as powerless as we do."

There was also cross community and cross party support for the workers being paid off.

Sinn Féin Assembly Member Sue Ramsey, (pictured) who chairs the Assembly's Employment and Learning Committee, said: "We need to work together to provide as much help and support as we can for all these people losing their jobs and their families.

"The jobs going at Visteon, FG Wilson and Bombardier will cause tremendous suffering."

Mr Robinson's DUP party colleague and Deputy Chair of the same committee as Ms Ramsey, Robin Newton, said there needed to be "unity of purpose" in the Assembly to see what "we could be done for those who have been put out of work by the recession".

The East Belfast DUP MLA also said that the reported loss of 45 jobs from manufacturing firm Hughes Christensen "is another blow to the local economy in the wake of the job losses announced by Bombardier".

"The manufacturing sector has been hard hit within the past days and those being made redundant are highly skilled and well qualified employees," he said, noting that Hughes Christensen is one of the foremost experts on the development and production of drill pieces in the world.

Meanwhile, Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said she would meet the Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey to discuss how best to support workers facing redundancy.

"It is important that we look to the re-skilling of staff to maximise their employment opportunities."

(BMcC/JM)