31/03/2005

M&S to axe 108 jobs in Claudy

Marks & Spencer has announced it is to axe more than 100 jobs at its buying facility in Co Londonderry.

A spokesperson for the company said that the decision was a result of the Claudy operation being “no longer viable” because all garments in future will be bought through a central department in London.

In all 108 jobs will go when the facility finally closes in December.

Commenting on the news, Derry Mayor Gearóid Ó'hÉara said he would be asking the Council to speak with the relevant organisations, including Marks and Spencer's, DEL, Invest NI, the trade unions and our local enterprise agency, to support those workforce and to help find alternative employment within the area.

"I would like to express my deep disappointment that this proposed decision will lead to a reduction of Marks and Spencer's investment in North West,” he added.

Marks and Spencer currently employs 1,620 people in Northern Ireland.

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