Dickson Expresses Deep Disappointment at Bombardier Job Losses

Alliance East Antrim MLA, Stewart Dickson, has expressed his deep disappointment after it was announced that Bombardier Aerospace in Belfast, would be cutting around 600 jobs.

The company said 400 direct employees and around 200 agency workers would be made redundant due to ‘interruptions and challenges’ from the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Dickson commented: “This announcement will be deeply upsetting and worrying for those working at the plant and their wider families, many of whom live in East Antrim, and my thoughts are with them. The loss of these skilled jobs will also likely have a wider impact on our local economy.

“Bombardier is of course a well-established and key link in the Northern Ireland supply chain, but the news of these job losses, and those at Thompson Aero Seating last week, shows that aerospace, a crucial industry for us, is under considerable pressure.

“This announcement is a consequence of global events relating to the impact of Covid-19. However, going forward, the Executive must ensure that we take all steps possible to protect key industries, jobs and skills, to help ensure we are on the best footing for recovery.”