Menu
27/09/2019
Concern As 100 Caterpillar Staff Face Redundancy
Elected representatives have said the potential for 100 job losses at the Caterpillar financial services centre in west Belfast would be a "devastating blow".
Concerns emerged following reports the manufacturing company is outsourcing its global financing operations.
It's understood staff were informed of the news this week, with redundancy packages to be made available.
"This is a major blow to West Belfast and also the wider Northern Ireland economy," local Alliance representative Donnamarie Higgins commented on Friday.
"One job loss is one too many, but to be faced with 100 job losses in an area with one of the highest unemployment rates in the UK is calamitous."
Ms Higgins called for a restoration of local Government to help mitigate the impact and protect the region's manufacturing industry.
She continued: "We need power-sharing to return so we can focus on better supporting the industry, and attract and retain high quality jobs in Northern Ireland."
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein condemned the move, which comes at a time of heightened economic uncertainty as the UK approaches its deadline for departure from the EU.
West Belfast MP Paul Masked said: "I have been engaging with the workers to hear their concerns and I am seeking an urgent meeting with the company.
"Given the ongoing uncertainty over Brexit, this will only add to the pressure on the local economy and community.
"Management at the company now need to work with staff and to make sure employees are kept up to date with all developments and if the jobs cannot be saved, they should be offered retraining and up-skilling opportunities."
The under-threat roles are set to be transferred to outsourcing firm Accenture, which does not operate in Northern Ireland.
The SDLP has requested an urgent meeting with Caterpillar and relevant trade unions in order to support the staff facing redundancy.
Councillor for west Belfast Brian Heading expressed regret at the news, saying: "Caterpillar's West Belfast base has provided skilled jobs for local people here for a long time. This announcement will cause significant concern for local workers who, I understand, have been told that redundancy packages are on offer."
Local SDLP representative Paul Doherty added: "The transfer of Caterpillar's global finance operation to Accenture is bound to cause significant concern in West Belfast. With no local Accenture operation these jobs are under threat and workers will be worried about their future.
"I have been in touch with the company this morning seeking clarity around the future of workers at the site. We will do all we can to support them."
(JG/MH)
Concerns emerged following reports the manufacturing company is outsourcing its global financing operations.
It's understood staff were informed of the news this week, with redundancy packages to be made available.
"This is a major blow to West Belfast and also the wider Northern Ireland economy," local Alliance representative Donnamarie Higgins commented on Friday.
"One job loss is one too many, but to be faced with 100 job losses in an area with one of the highest unemployment rates in the UK is calamitous."
Ms Higgins called for a restoration of local Government to help mitigate the impact and protect the region's manufacturing industry.
She continued: "We need power-sharing to return so we can focus on better supporting the industry, and attract and retain high quality jobs in Northern Ireland."
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein condemned the move, which comes at a time of heightened economic uncertainty as the UK approaches its deadline for departure from the EU.
West Belfast MP Paul Masked said: "I have been engaging with the workers to hear their concerns and I am seeking an urgent meeting with the company.
"Given the ongoing uncertainty over Brexit, this will only add to the pressure on the local economy and community.
"Management at the company now need to work with staff and to make sure employees are kept up to date with all developments and if the jobs cannot be saved, they should be offered retraining and up-skilling opportunities."
The under-threat roles are set to be transferred to outsourcing firm Accenture, which does not operate in Northern Ireland.
The SDLP has requested an urgent meeting with Caterpillar and relevant trade unions in order to support the staff facing redundancy.
Councillor for west Belfast Brian Heading expressed regret at the news, saying: "Caterpillar's West Belfast base has provided skilled jobs for local people here for a long time. This announcement will cause significant concern for local workers who, I understand, have been told that redundancy packages are on offer."
Local SDLP representative Paul Doherty added: "The transfer of Caterpillar's global finance operation to Accenture is bound to cause significant concern in West Belfast. With no local Accenture operation these jobs are under threat and workers will be worried about their future.
"I have been in touch with the company this morning seeking clarity around the future of workers at the site. We will do all we can to support them."
(JG/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 March 2004
Local politicians criticised over recent job losses
The Sales Institute of Ireland (SII) has blamed local politicians for recent job losses announced across the country.
Local politicians criticised over recent job losses
The Sales Institute of Ireland (SII) has blamed local politicians for recent job losses announced across the country.
26 November 2024
Police Ombudsman Issues Appeal Regarding West Belfast Arrest
An appeal for witnesses regarding the arrest of a man in west Belfast has been issued by the Police Ombudsman. The man was arrested by police in the Beechview Park of the Falls Road at approximately 1am on Sunday, October 6.
Police Ombudsman Issues Appeal Regarding West Belfast Arrest
An appeal for witnesses regarding the arrest of a man in west Belfast has been issued by the Police Ombudsman. The man was arrested by police in the Beechview Park of the Falls Road at approximately 1am on Sunday, October 6.
18 February 2016
Directory Of Info And Advice For Job Seekers Published
Following the news of a fall in the number of people claiming unemployment benefits, nidirect has compiled a directory of practical information and advice for anyone looking for a job.
Directory Of Info And Advice For Job Seekers Published
Following the news of a fall in the number of people claiming unemployment benefits, nidirect has compiled a directory of practical information and advice for anyone looking for a job.
15 July 2005
Doherty calls for economic aid package after Adria job losses
West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has called on the Secretary of State Peter Hain to respond to economic aid package calls after 185 job losses were announced at the Adria textile factory in Strabane.
Doherty calls for economic aid package after Adria job losses
West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has called on the Secretary of State Peter Hain to respond to economic aid package calls after 185 job losses were announced at the Adria textile factory in Strabane.
13 October 2023
Half A Million Jobs Created In NI In 15 Years – UUEPC
Half a million jobs have been created in Northern Ireland over the last 15 years, according to a study from the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC). Analysis from the UUEPC of growth in Northern Ireland from 2007 to 2021 showed how often firms are in job creation mode.
Half A Million Jobs Created In NI In 15 Years – UUEPC
Half a million jobs have been created in Northern Ireland over the last 15 years, according to a study from the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC). Analysis from the UUEPC of growth in Northern Ireland from 2007 to 2021 showed how often firms are in job creation mode.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
