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03/11/2008
Third Of Manufacturing Jobs Could Be Lost: NIM
As many as a third of all those working in the manufacturing industry in Northern Ireland could be facing short time working or lay-offs.
The continuing economic downturn has already forced many firms to shed jobs, but a warning today said that the workforce cuts might be much deeper still.
The group representing employers said the slowdown was hitting the industry hard and has now called on Stormont Executive members to "put aside their differences to try and address the problems".
The warning comes on foot of building and engineering firms estimating that as many as 18,000 jobs could be lost in their respective sectors next year.
Today, the Northern Ireland Manufacturing (NIM), which represents 500 firms in the region, said the crisis affecting the construction industry was having a knock-on effect on its members.
NIM Chief Executive, Bryan Gray said: "Many of our members are exposed to the slowdown in the local construction markets but the situation is even worse for larger manufacturers of construction materials who are also being hit by the slowdown in Great Britain.
"Employers have already begun to reduce staff numbers and this situation is going to accelerate if action is not taken.
"Some companies are reporting redundancies as high as 30% of their total workforces."
Noting that the Northern Ireland Executive has not meet for over four months amid a stalemate between the DUP and Sinn Fein on a series of issues, the NIM Chairman, Michael Wightman added: "There is growing frustration and anger amongst our members that, at a time when other Governments are working night and day to bolster their economies, ours isn't meeting.
"We understand that there are political issues to be resolved, but this is a time of crisis and we would call on all sides to show the leadership we need by 'parking' their differences until the economy is under control."
See: North-South Summit In Doubt As NI Executive Fails To Meet
(BMcC)
The continuing economic downturn has already forced many firms to shed jobs, but a warning today said that the workforce cuts might be much deeper still.
The group representing employers said the slowdown was hitting the industry hard and has now called on Stormont Executive members to "put aside their differences to try and address the problems".
The warning comes on foot of building and engineering firms estimating that as many as 18,000 jobs could be lost in their respective sectors next year.
Today, the Northern Ireland Manufacturing (NIM), which represents 500 firms in the region, said the crisis affecting the construction industry was having a knock-on effect on its members.
NIM Chief Executive, Bryan Gray said: "Many of our members are exposed to the slowdown in the local construction markets but the situation is even worse for larger manufacturers of construction materials who are also being hit by the slowdown in Great Britain.
"Employers have already begun to reduce staff numbers and this situation is going to accelerate if action is not taken.
"Some companies are reporting redundancies as high as 30% of their total workforces."
Noting that the Northern Ireland Executive has not meet for over four months amid a stalemate between the DUP and Sinn Fein on a series of issues, the NIM Chairman, Michael Wightman added: "There is growing frustration and anger amongst our members that, at a time when other Governments are working night and day to bolster their economies, ours isn't meeting.
"We understand that there are political issues to be resolved, but this is a time of crisis and we would call on all sides to show the leadership we need by 'parking' their differences until the economy is under control."
See: North-South Summit In Doubt As NI Executive Fails To Meet
(BMcC)
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02 April 2015
Lagan Construction And H&J Martin Announce Merger
Building firms H&J Martin has joined the Lagan Construction Group of companies. H&J Martin will continue to trade under their existing brand name, the entity will come under the structures of the Lagan Construction Group of companies.
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15 December 2015
Energy And Manufacturing Advisory Group Established
An Energy and Manufacturing Advisory Group has been established to find a solution to combat energy costs within the manufacturing sector. Enterprise Minister Jonathon Bell said a strong, flourishing manufacturing sector was at the centre of the Executive's vision for the Northern Ireland economy.
Energy And Manufacturing Advisory Group Established
An Energy and Manufacturing Advisory Group has been established to find a solution to combat energy costs within the manufacturing sector. Enterprise Minister Jonathon Bell said a strong, flourishing manufacturing sector was at the centre of the Executive's vision for the Northern Ireland economy.
14 October 2010
Construction Jobs At Risk From Cuts, SBF Warns
Projected cuts to Scotland's capital investment budget could lead to the loss of 47,000 jobs from the Scottish construction industry, the Scottish Building Federation (SBF) has warned.
Construction Jobs At Risk From Cuts, SBF Warns
Projected cuts to Scotland's capital investment budget could lead to the loss of 47,000 jobs from the Scottish construction industry, the Scottish Building Federation (SBF) has warned.
13 May 2013
Minister Departs On Four-Day Trade Mission
The Minister for Small Business, John Perry TD, will today depart on a four-day trade mission with 25 innovative Irish companies to the Czech Republic and with 37 companies to Poland.
Minister Departs On Four-Day Trade Mission
The Minister for Small Business, John Perry TD, will today depart on a four-day trade mission with 25 innovative Irish companies to the Czech Republic and with 37 companies to Poland.
21 May 2002
Dell set to lay off 150 in Limerick
Computer manufacturer Dell is to implement 150 voluntary redundancies among staff at its Limerick plant. The move is thought to affect only administrative staff and management at the plant, with no layoffs set to occur amongst manufacturing staff.
Dell set to lay off 150 in Limerick
Computer manufacturer Dell is to implement 150 voluntary redundancies among staff at its Limerick plant. The move is thought to affect only administrative staff and management at the plant, with no layoffs set to occur amongst manufacturing staff.
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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.
