Invest NI Chief Executive Leslie Morrison has expressed his regret at the announcement by Desmonds to make 482 employees redundant.

Mr Morrison said Invest NI were conscious of the dismay felt by those employees directly affected, but said his agency would maintain close contact with the company and were awaiting further information about the timing of the redundancies.

He said: “Textiles and clothing will remain an important sector in the Northern Ireland economy. Invest NI will continue to assist companies to improve their competitiveness in external markets and build on external sales. These are currently worth an annual £600 million.

“We are engaging with local councils, business bodies, the university and enterprise bodies in the North West on the development of our new business plan for the region. This process will assist in the development of other sub-regional business plans that are responsive to the unique assets and challenges of their areas."

Mr Morrison said such initiatives would help provide a comprehensive and integrated approach that complemented their business action plans designed to address regional disparities.

Meanwhile, union leaders and management at Desmond have to meet in Swatragh, one of the factories set to close, to discuss the job losses.

Union officials have said that management indicated the factories would close within weeks and that redundancy packages for workers are expected to be finalised by next Wednesday.

Trade and Investment Minister Ian Pearson said the government was currently looking at ways to help those who are to lose their jobs.

(MB)