Menu
12/11/2003
Clothing firm to axe 300 jobs
A leading clothing firm is to close its two remaining factory's in Co Londonderry with the loss of nearly 300 jobs.
Desmond & Sons announced on Wednesday that it is to close its factory at Newbuildings and cutting room at Springstown, with the loss of 277 and 16 jobs respectively.
In a statement, Desmonds management said it had "reluctantly" made the decision to end all manufacturing locally because of "competitive pressures".
"Pressures on margins, coupled with increased insurance, energy and social costs combine to pose immense challenges to Northern Ireland manufacturing," the statement said.
"Despite our efforts to maintain as much employment locally as possible, the inevitable result of all these pressures is that products cease to be viable when made in Northern Ireland and must be produced overseas.
"Our competitors have long since ceased to manufacture garments in the UK."
Expressing his regret at the news while on a trade visit to North America, Economy Minister, Ian Pearson said: "I am deeply disappointed that Desmond and Sons has been forced by increasingly difficult market conditions to make a further 293 employees redundant at two factories in Londonderry. This is another very depressing setback for the employees involved, their families and the economy of the North West.
"Invest NI and the Department of Employment and Learning are working closely with management to assist workers facing redundancy to explore alternative employment opportunities including self-employment."
In July the company, which supplies leading clothing retailer Marks & Spencer, shut the doors of its Irvingstown plant with the loss of 115 jobs.
This followed on from the closure of the firm's plants in Omagh and Swatragh.
(MB)
Desmond & Sons announced on Wednesday that it is to close its factory at Newbuildings and cutting room at Springstown, with the loss of 277 and 16 jobs respectively.
In a statement, Desmonds management said it had "reluctantly" made the decision to end all manufacturing locally because of "competitive pressures".
"Pressures on margins, coupled with increased insurance, energy and social costs combine to pose immense challenges to Northern Ireland manufacturing," the statement said.
"Despite our efforts to maintain as much employment locally as possible, the inevitable result of all these pressures is that products cease to be viable when made in Northern Ireland and must be produced overseas.
"Our competitors have long since ceased to manufacture garments in the UK."
Expressing his regret at the news while on a trade visit to North America, Economy Minister, Ian Pearson said: "I am deeply disappointed that Desmond and Sons has been forced by increasingly difficult market conditions to make a further 293 employees redundant at two factories in Londonderry. This is another very depressing setback for the employees involved, their families and the economy of the North West.
"Invest NI and the Department of Employment and Learning are working closely with management to assist workers facing redundancy to explore alternative employment opportunities including self-employment."
In July the company, which supplies leading clothing retailer Marks & Spencer, shut the doors of its Irvingstown plant with the loss of 115 jobs.
This followed on from the closure of the firm's plants in Omagh and Swatragh.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 July 2012
Consultation On New Employment Programme Launched
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry today launched a public consultation on a proposed new employment programme for Northern Ireland. The new programme, which has been called provisionally Steps 2 Success (NI), will replace the Department’s main adult return to work provision, Steps to Work, which was introduced in September 2008.
Consultation On New Employment Programme Launched
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry today launched a public consultation on a proposed new employment programme for Northern Ireland. The new programme, which has been called provisionally Steps 2 Success (NI), will replace the Department’s main adult return to work provision, Steps to Work, which was introduced in September 2008.
12 May 2010
Jobs For Donegal
The Tánaiste has said she expects 75 new jobs for the Donegal Town base of pharmaceutical firm Abbott to come on stream shortly. It was confirmed this week the factory would be increasing staff numbers from 80 to 155.
Jobs For Donegal
The Tánaiste has said she expects 75 new jobs for the Donegal Town base of pharmaceutical firm Abbott to come on stream shortly. It was confirmed this week the factory would be increasing staff numbers from 80 to 155.
18 April 2013
JobBridge Is A Pathway To Full-Time Employment – Coffey
Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has said that the JobBridge internship scheme is a clear and dependable pathway to full-time employment, which has seen 36 per cent of intern graduates in Waterford moving directly into employment, while 61 per cent of interns nationally have secured employment five months after graduating from the scheme.
JobBridge Is A Pathway To Full-Time Employment – Coffey
Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has said that the JobBridge internship scheme is a clear and dependable pathway to full-time employment, which has seen 36 per cent of intern graduates in Waterford moving directly into employment, while 61 per cent of interns nationally have secured employment five months after graduating from the scheme.
26 October 2012
Dáil Debate On Cuts To Employment Schemes In Co Galway
Fianna Fáil TD Michael Kitt raised a special debate in the Dáil on the damaging cuts to Community Employment (CE) Schemes across Co Galway and unnecessary restrictions on a range of other employment initiatives.
Dáil Debate On Cuts To Employment Schemes In Co Galway
Fianna Fáil TD Michael Kitt raised a special debate in the Dáil on the damaging cuts to Community Employment (CE) Schemes across Co Galway and unnecessary restrictions on a range of other employment initiatives.
09 February 2012
SF Warns Of Impact Of Community Employment Cuts
Sinn Féin President and Louth TD Gerry Adams has warned that the government's planned cuts to the Community Employment scheme will have a "grievous impact on many community based projects and services across the state".
SF Warns Of Impact Of Community Employment Cuts
Sinn Féin President and Louth TD Gerry Adams has warned that the government's planned cuts to the Community Employment scheme will have a "grievous impact on many community based projects and services across the state".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
