08/04/2008
Thousands Of NI Builders Face Job Losses
Thousands of construction jobs are at risk in Northern Ireland as a result of a downturn in building activity.
Following substantial job losses in the Republic, John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation Northern Ireland (CEFNI) said that many of his members had already let workers go. And, he warned, there could be "hundreds if not thousands more job losses across the board" if the current trend continues.
However, Mr Armstrong told the BBC that a slump in property prices is not solely to blame for the decrease in activity. He cited broader economic issues as having a negative impact on the sector.
"There are a lot of broader economic issued baring down on the industry," he said. "Another issue that must be addressed is the proposal that 20% of any project be given over to social housing.
"If this is going to be introduced, there needs to be adequate time allowed for adjustment to such a major change."
Around 84,000 people work in the construction industry in Northern Ireland. A recent report on employment in the province showed that construction jobs were leading NI job growth and fast outpacing the manufacturing sector.
(VB/JM)
Following substantial job losses in the Republic, John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation Northern Ireland (CEFNI) said that many of his members had already let workers go. And, he warned, there could be "hundreds if not thousands more job losses across the board" if the current trend continues.
However, Mr Armstrong told the BBC that a slump in property prices is not solely to blame for the decrease in activity. He cited broader economic issues as having a negative impact on the sector.
"There are a lot of broader economic issued baring down on the industry," he said. "Another issue that must be addressed is the proposal that 20% of any project be given over to social housing.
"If this is going to be introduced, there needs to be adequate time allowed for adjustment to such a major change."
Around 84,000 people work in the construction industry in Northern Ireland. A recent report on employment in the province showed that construction jobs were leading NI job growth and fast outpacing the manufacturing sector.
(VB/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 April 2025
NI Job Market Shows Strong Start To 2025
Northern Ireland's job market experienced a robust start to 2025, with job vacancies soaring by 20% compared to the final quarter of 2024, according to the latest NIJobs Job Report. The report revealed a 7% increase in job listings year-on-year and a significant 44% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels.
NI Job Market Shows Strong Start To 2025
Northern Ireland's job market experienced a robust start to 2025, with job vacancies soaring by 20% compared to the final quarter of 2024, according to the latest NIJobs Job Report. The report revealed a 7% increase in job listings year-on-year and a significant 44% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels.
18 October 2002
Awareness week highlights risks of working at heights
Local companies have thrown their weight behind the European Health & Safety Week to raise awareness of the danger of working at heights on construction sites. The safety initiative comes in the wake of incidents in which two men tragically lost their lives as a result of falls.
Awareness week highlights risks of working at heights
Local companies have thrown their weight behind the European Health & Safety Week to raise awareness of the danger of working at heights on construction sites. The safety initiative comes in the wake of incidents in which two men tragically lost their lives as a result of falls.
16 April 2014
NISRA Publish Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin
The latest edition of the Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin has been published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). The bulletin provides a general measure of change in real terms in the output of the Construction Industry in Northern Ireland.
NISRA Publish Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin
The latest edition of the Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin has been published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). The bulletin provides a general measure of change in real terms in the output of the Construction Industry in Northern Ireland.
10 October 2002
Gilbert Ash gives students on-site insight
Construction company Gilbert Ash has hosted an event for a number of HND Building Engineering and AVCE Construction & Built Environment students from Upper Bann Institute, as part of National Construction Week.
Gilbert Ash gives students on-site insight
Construction company Gilbert Ash has hosted an event for a number of HND Building Engineering and AVCE Construction & Built Environment students from Upper Bann Institute, as part of National Construction Week.
17 April 2009
Protests Held Over Job Losses
About 200 people have taken part in a rally in Belfast to support those who have lost their jobs as a result of the recession. The protest was over some 2,000 recent job losses in Northern Ireland's manufacturing industry - including that at Newtownabbey's Nortel.
Protests Held Over Job Losses
About 200 people have taken part in a rally in Belfast to support those who have lost their jobs as a result of the recession. The protest was over some 2,000 recent job losses in Northern Ireland's manufacturing industry - including that at Newtownabbey's Nortel.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.