CONCERN GROWS OVER NORTEL REDUNDANCIES

FIRST Minister, David Trimble, and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey, have both voiced concerns over the 330 redundancies announced by Nortel on Monday, June 25.

Following a telephone call to a Senior Nortel Corporate Executive in North America, Mr Trimble said that although it was a distressing situation for all those who were set to lose their jobs, he was committed to working with the Company to ensure that the Monkstown site continued to improve its competitive position.

He added: "The commercial reality is that globally the telecoms industry is suffering a downturn and what is happening at Monkstown is certainly no reflection on the local workforce who have achieved much recognition for Northern Ireland in the international arena."

Sir Reg said: "Nortel's operation in Northern Ireland remains a keystone of our economy, providing direct and indirect employment for thousands of people. The Company's presence here has also been responsible for helping us attract other inward investment.

The Minister added that his department would continue to maintain close contact with senior executives and said he was confidence that in the longer term the telecoms market would offer many opportunities for Northern Ireland.

(MB)