Sixty-five jobs are to go at a Benburb manufacturing company, a trade union has said.
Camden Glass has started a 30-day consultation with staff on the closure of its factory in Benburb and transfer to a new state of the art facility in Antrim.
Unite’s representative Joanne McWilliams said: “Many workers in Benburb have longstanding service at the plant – one of our members has worked there for 43 years.
“Many of the workers facing redundancy have built the company’s success long before the current management took over.
“To compound [the] decision, management have offered the workforce only the bare minimum, statutory redundancy.
“Camden Group must live up to their social responsibilities and fully compensate their workforce for a decision driven by corporate priorities.”
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan expressed his concern.
He said: “News of the closure and subsequently the loss of 65 jobs in the area is very worrying.
“This will undoubtedly come as a shock to the employees involved and their families.
“The move has come following a multi-million pound investment, leaving many to wonder where that investment has stemmed from.
“This announcement is a blow to the local economy in the area. Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell must immediately act and should be actively ensuring his department is doing everything possible to attract investment and jobs to this area. It has been overlooked for far too long.
“I have requested an urgent meeting with the Minister to discuss the closure and the devastating impact it will have on the local economy. This further loss of jobs must give us all cause for concern. The level of investment in this part of the region is unacceptable and I will be calling on the Minister to ensure this part of the region is being promoted with the same vigour as Antrim.
“I would call on management at the company to work with staff and trade unions to keep employees up to date during this difficult time.”
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