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20/05/2003
Politicians express concern over Gallaher cuts
Local politicians have expressed their regret at today's news that cigerette maker, Gallaher is to shed 175 jobs at its Co Antrim plant.
DUP representative Ian Paisley jnr said the news was a major blow to one of the largest employers in the country and indicated the problems faced by manufactures all over Europe.
Mr Paisley said he had been informed by the company this morning that they would do "all in their power to ensure that as many of the job loses are by way of voluntary agreement".
"However, it would be impossible to believe that with so many jobs ear marked to go in the next two years that it will be a painless operation.
"Many of my constituents who work in the company will be alarmed about the future of the company. I trust that the existing 900 or so jobs will now be on a secure footing for the foreseeable future," he added.
Mr Paisley said it was now the Government's responsibility to protect the manufacturing base across the country because of problems with insurance, the threat to remove industrial de-rating and unequitable trading and tax imbalances between Northern Ireland's European neighbours.
UUP North Antrim councillor Rev. Robert Coulter also expressed his concern at the decision.
He said: “This is another blow for hardworking employees who have a tremendous pride in their work. It is also likely to have a big impact on the economy of the area.
“It is concerning that these redundancies come just weeks after Gallaher’s nationally announced their annual turnover had soared 47 per cent to £8.4 billion with pre-tax profits of £378 million.
“Like so much of Ulster’s manufacturing sector, it seems we are now paying a heavy price for the fact we cannot compete with cheaper production costs abroad.
“The Government must take a long hard look at manufacturing as a whole in Northern Ireland. We are losing too many jobs in this area and this trend must be addressed quickly.”
(MB)
DUP representative Ian Paisley jnr said the news was a major blow to one of the largest employers in the country and indicated the problems faced by manufactures all over Europe.
Mr Paisley said he had been informed by the company this morning that they would do "all in their power to ensure that as many of the job loses are by way of voluntary agreement".
"However, it would be impossible to believe that with so many jobs ear marked to go in the next two years that it will be a painless operation.
"Many of my constituents who work in the company will be alarmed about the future of the company. I trust that the existing 900 or so jobs will now be on a secure footing for the foreseeable future," he added.
Mr Paisley said it was now the Government's responsibility to protect the manufacturing base across the country because of problems with insurance, the threat to remove industrial de-rating and unequitable trading and tax imbalances between Northern Ireland's European neighbours.
UUP North Antrim councillor Rev. Robert Coulter also expressed his concern at the decision.
He said: “This is another blow for hardworking employees who have a tremendous pride in their work. It is also likely to have a big impact on the economy of the area.
“It is concerning that these redundancies come just weeks after Gallaher’s nationally announced their annual turnover had soared 47 per cent to £8.4 billion with pre-tax profits of £378 million.
“Like so much of Ulster’s manufacturing sector, it seems we are now paying a heavy price for the fact we cannot compete with cheaper production costs abroad.
“The Government must take a long hard look at manufacturing as a whole in Northern Ireland. We are losing too many jobs in this area and this trend must be addressed quickly.”
(MB)
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