07/03/2002

Fears confirmed over 300 job losses in Offaly

Fears over possible job losses at the Flextronics factory in Offaly have been confirmed following the announcement that 300 employees are to be made redundant at the Tullamore facility.

The cutbacks will see the company's current workforce of 440 drastically reduced, and the future of the plant, which produces casings for the computer industry, has still not been clarified.

In addition, management at the factory have come in for criticism over their handling of the news, with many employees first hearing about the then-speculative job cuts on RTE television rather than from an official source.

Reacting to the confirmation of further job losses, the Tánaiste Mary Harney said she recognised that the loss of employment in Flextronics represented the latest in a series of blows for the region.

She stated: "I recognise that Offaly has been affected by a number of factory closures in recent years. The Government and the state development agencies are determined to attract new replacement industries into the region and I am committed to achieving this sooner rather than later. Indeed, I am confident that over the next few months there will be better news for the county as a number of potential investors are currently in negotiations with the IDA with a view to locating in the area."

The Tánaiste added that she has asked FAS to undertake a skills assessment of the workers affected and to provide any necessary training that may be needed.

(CL)

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