Wrightbus has warned that 95 jobs could be at risk after the company carried out analysis which showed that the demand for new buses is low in the UK market. This is on the back of 95 job cuts in February past for similar reasons.
This is likly to affect local peoples jobs again as many are employed by the Co Antrim company who also live locally.
Wrightbus made comment on the proposed job cuts stating they were;
“Subject to the outcome of the consultation process”.
The company went on to say;
“There is a good deal of continuing uncertainty – specifically in the UK market – at present, which is causing private and public bus operators alike to delay or postpone their vehicle investment programmes,” said the chairman of the Wrights Group, Mark Nodder.
This has a direct impact on production levels at our Ballymena facilities and the announcement that we are making today – difficult and regrettable as it is – is nonetheless necessary to align workforce requirements with our near term order book.”
The Unite the Union had this to say.
“Our reps in the workforce have indicated that Wright group management have told them that they will be making another ninety-five workers redundant. This is dreadful news for Wright group workers and the beleaguered Ballymena economy coming on the heels of the final shutdown of both JTI-Gallaher and Michelin factories in the town. Indeed it was only February 12th that an earlier ninety-five job-losses were announced due to a reported downturn in orders.
Unite are deeply sceptical of the timing of what appears another major job loss announcement by the Wright group. Although have yet to hear formally from management to confirm numbers but at this stage we understand from our reps that they have been told that the jobs are set to go in En-drive, the Wrightbus group and in Customcare”
Public representatives for North Antrim took to social media to voice their dissapointment at yet more job cuts from the firm.
