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18/11/2008
Jobs Unravelled As Global Downturn Hits Carpet Firm
A top name in the local textile industry is to shed jobs.
Ulster Carpets - which currently employs more than 400 people at its factory in Portadown - is set to lose 35 full-time employees at its Co Armagh facility.
The company blamed the job losses on the "global economic downturn" which it said had impacted on its order book.
It said it hoped to avoid any compulsory redundancies and had started "statutory consultation with the trade union".
Managing Director Nick Coburn told the BBC last night: "We make this announcement with great regret and after all other options have been exhausted."
He said that the global financial turmoil had taken "a heavy toll on consumers and businesses leading to a need to cut production levels for the foreseeable future".
The company said it was offering an extensive redundancy package with both an enhanced element and ex-gratia payment.
It added that counselling and training for new job applications would be provided for anyone affected by the redundancies.
The announcement has been followed by a call today from the trade union involved which is pressing for a meeting with the management.
The BBC has reported that Sean McKeever, from the Unite union, said its members had not been expecting the announcement.
"Obviously this is a devastating blow to our members within Ulster Carpets," he said.
"It comes as quite a shock, bearing in mind announcements Ulster Carpets had made a number of months ago about savings that were made in energy - up to three quarters of a million pounds - and also a £15m investment package."
(BMcC)
Ulster Carpets - which currently employs more than 400 people at its factory in Portadown - is set to lose 35 full-time employees at its Co Armagh facility.
The company blamed the job losses on the "global economic downturn" which it said had impacted on its order book.
It said it hoped to avoid any compulsory redundancies and had started "statutory consultation with the trade union".
Managing Director Nick Coburn told the BBC last night: "We make this announcement with great regret and after all other options have been exhausted."
He said that the global financial turmoil had taken "a heavy toll on consumers and businesses leading to a need to cut production levels for the foreseeable future".
The company said it was offering an extensive redundancy package with both an enhanced element and ex-gratia payment.
It added that counselling and training for new job applications would be provided for anyone affected by the redundancies.
The announcement has been followed by a call today from the trade union involved which is pressing for a meeting with the management.
The BBC has reported that Sean McKeever, from the Unite union, said its members had not been expecting the announcement.
"Obviously this is a devastating blow to our members within Ulster Carpets," he said.
"It comes as quite a shock, bearing in mind announcements Ulster Carpets had made a number of months ago about savings that were made in energy - up to three quarters of a million pounds - and also a £15m investment package."
(BMcC)
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31 January 2002
Delegation from Craigavon meets with Enterprise Minister
With a number of recent jobs losses in the Craigavon area, a delegation from the area met with Enterprise, Trade and Development Minister Sir Reg Empey to discuss employment problems in the area.
Delegation from Craigavon meets with Enterprise Minister
With a number of recent jobs losses in the Craigavon area, a delegation from the area met with Enterprise, Trade and Development Minister Sir Reg Empey to discuss employment problems in the area.
14 December 2001
Jobs losses in separate Larne and Saintfield businesses
Insilco Technologies, which makes cables for telecoms, is to axe 44 jobs at its factory in Larne, County Antrim following a recent slump in business. East Antrim DUP assembly member Roger Hutchinson has called on Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Sir Reg Empey to help to regenerate the area.
Jobs losses in separate Larne and Saintfield businesses
Insilco Technologies, which makes cables for telecoms, is to axe 44 jobs at its factory in Larne, County Antrim following a recent slump in business. East Antrim DUP assembly member Roger Hutchinson has called on Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Sir Reg Empey to help to regenerate the area.
22 August 2003
Textile industry in further turmoil
The Northern Ireland textile industry was facing another blow today after it was revealed that 80 jobs are under threat at a shirt factory in Co Armagh. Portadown-based Shirtmakers Guild, which manufactures shirts for the upmarket retailer, Thomas Pink, said the jobs were under threat after its main customer withdrew its order.
Textile industry in further turmoil
The Northern Ireland textile industry was facing another blow today after it was revealed that 80 jobs are under threat at a shirt factory in Co Armagh. Portadown-based Shirtmakers Guild, which manufactures shirts for the upmarket retailer, Thomas Pink, said the jobs were under threat after its main customer withdrew its order.
21 August 2003
Government called on to help save textile jobs
Local political representatives were seeking an urgent meeting with NIO Enterprise Minister Ian Pearson today following the news that Carpet International has gone into receivership.
Government called on to help save textile jobs
Local political representatives were seeking an urgent meeting with NIO Enterprise Minister Ian Pearson today following the news that Carpet International has gone into receivership.
05 July 2001
FURTHER JOBS LOSSES IN TEXTILES SECTOR
COUNTY Tyrone textiles company Herdman Mills, is to scale down operations at its Sion Mills plant, with the loss of 85 jobs for the Strabane area. The Transport and General Workers' Union have confirmed the job losses following the news that weekend shifts are to cease at the flax spinning company.
FURTHER JOBS LOSSES IN TEXTILES SECTOR
COUNTY Tyrone textiles company Herdman Mills, is to scale down operations at its Sion Mills plant, with the loss of 85 jobs for the Strabane area. The Transport and General Workers' Union have confirmed the job losses following the news that weekend shifts are to cease at the flax spinning company.
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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.
