The Ulster Unionist Party has called on both the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to help Bombardier workers following the announcement that 600 jobs are in jeopardy.   

Economy Spokesperson John Stewart MLA said:

“The news that 600 jobs are at risk at Bombardier’s Northern Ireland operations is devastating news for the workforce, their families and Northern Ireland PLC.  

“Bombardier provides the type of high quality, high paying manufacturing jobs that our economy so desperately needs and the company is not just vital to the Northern Ireland economy in its own right, it is also vital to the local ecosystem of high tech and aerospace companies in Northern Ireland. Bombardier employs 3,500 people here and they support almost three times as many jobs in the local supply chain.

“We are in contact with management at Bombardier to ensure they receive all the assistance possible and to try to minimise the impact of this announcement.

“We acknowledge that there is a global downturn in the aerospace industry which can only be addressed by a UK wide scheme, but the Northern Ireland Executive also needs to put support measures in place to help the workers affected by today’s announcement.  

East Belfast MLA Andy Allen said:

“My thoughts are with the workforce and their families following this devastating announcement.  

“Today’s news is not only a devastating blow for the workforce and their families but for the Northern Ireland economy as a whole. 

“I and my colleagues are in close contact with management and we will continue to liaise with them in the days and weeks ahead as we seek to minimise the impact of this announcement.  We will continue to do everything we possibly can to support the company and the workforce.”