After speaking to a group of employees at lunch time he confirmed “It is now clear 760 jobs are being cut. I know many of the families personally who will be affected by this announcement, some of whom have been affected by earlier job cuts this year also. The sad reality is that not just FG Wilson employees will be affected. There are many hundreds of down-stream jobs in subsidiary industries exposed to the knock-on effects, and we as a community will feel this directly in non-related industries and professions, such as cleaners, taxi-drivers, logistical services and transport companies”.
“Northern Ireland has long been recognised as a good place for investment, particularly where the jobs require skilled workers and high-tech workers. We have a highly-educated workforce, with excellent broadband and transport supports. However, the three factors which have conspired, leading to this jobs announcement are no doubt a declining sales base and location of customers for FG Wilson, the ever increasing and crippling fuel, energy and transport costs businesses have to deal with, and certainly the failure of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to deliver on the 12.5% corporation tax promise for Northern Ireland businesses” stated Cllr McKinty.
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| FG have facilities here in Larne, and also in Belfast, Springvale and Monkstown. |
He continued, “It is vital now that our focus turns to the FG Wilson employees and how best to secure employment for those who seek it. All of the State agencies who have a role to play here must be available to the employees, making every effort to assist them inidentifying alternative employment down the line. But efforts must not stop there. It is critical, if we are to address the spiraling unemployment news from Northern Ireland, that the Executive and Assembly bring forward urgent proposals to encourage the establishment of an R&D strategy for big businesses to come here, to invest in Northern Ireland.We also need to welcome any of these high-potential start-up companies that are looking for suitable locations, particularly businesses engaged in Pharmaceuticals, Software Development, Alternative Energy and the Agri-food sector. In addition to attracting foreign investment, we must also remember we have talent and ability, ideas and ambition among our own people, especially the wealth of skills and qualifications shown by our young people. We need a strategy to support indigenous innovative new start up businesses, both regionally and locally”.
"FG Wilson began as a family-run business, and developed strong community links with East Antrim and Northern Ireland over decades, and a workforce which has devoted many millions of hours in ensuring corporate success both at home and internationally." Cllr McKinty added. “This news of job losses will dominate the local economic and political landscape for weeks and months ahead. The legacy of these jobs losses could last for decades. It saddens me therefore that the company was not more open about the potential risks and threats which faced their businesses globally, and suggest to them now would be a good time to sit down with all stakeholders and explore if there is a way forward which can bedeveloped to ensure remaining jobs are secured long term.”
"The Ulster Unionist party is commited to the economy and creation of jobs, and I will continue to work with my party colleagues to ensure that steps are taken to mitigate these job losses, and that further similar announcements are avoided. I will make myself available to individuals, families and communities affected by today's announcement, and will do everything within my ability to aid return to employment."
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