Fujitsu Plans To Axe 1,800 Jobs Across The UK

Japanese electronics firm Fujitsu has announced plans which could cut up to 1,800 jobs across the UK.

The company currently employs 550 people in Belfast and 250 in L'Derry, and it is understood these workers may be affected.

The plan would see employees being axed in 2017.

Ulster Unionist Economy Spokesperson, Steve Aiken MLA, said: "This announcement comes only months after it was revealed that Fujitsu was closing their repair centre in my own constituency of South Antrim with the loss of 40 jobs.

"Questions will be asked as to why within less than three years after they initially announced over 190 new job positions in Northern Ireland, and benefited from £990,000 of public support from Invest NI, this is the second round of potential Fujitsu job losses in such a short period of time."

Ulster Unionist MLA for East Belfast, Andy Allen, confirmed he is seeking an urgent meeting with the company.

He said: "I genuinely hope that our highly skilled and motivated workforce, as well as the existing telecommunications infrastructure here, will ensure that the number of jobs losses in Northern Ireland is kept to an absolute minimum."

Unite the union described it as a "hammer blow" for the economy.

Unite national officer for IT, Ian Tonks, said: "It is not good news for the UK economy as the company says that it intends to offshore many of these jobs, with increased automation also responsible for job losses.

"Fujtsu's main UK subsidiary made £85.6m profit last year and we see no reason for these job losses. Unite will be doing its utmost to fight for these jobs, as well as giving our members maximum support at this very worrying time."

(CD/JP)