East Belfast MLA, Michael Copeland has expressed his disappointment at the announcement that defence engineering firm, Thales is to reduce its Northern Ireland workforce by 10%.
The Ulster Unionist said:
“The job losses at Thales are a big blow to the local economy. These are well paid, high skilled jobs – precisely the type of jobs we should be creating in Northern Ireland. It is very disappointing to learn that we cannot even hold on to those which are already in place.’
“Thales will reduce its workforce by 10% over the course of next year. I hope that this timescale will allow for an intervention by the administration which, coupled with any upturn in the prevailing economic circumstances, might bring some relief.’
“It is vital that the echoes of FG Wilson, Patton’s and now Thales should not fall upon deaf ears within the Stormont Castle Executive who seem intent on telling us through their press offices how good things are, when the reality on the ground is so starkly different.’