THE North-West needs “regional targeting” from Stormont after the loss of 70 jobs in Derry, according to the city’s chamber of commerce.
Employees at Seagate are waiting to see if their jobs are among those being slashed from the 1,400 strong workforce.
The company made the bombshell announcement yesterday, Monday, May 30, following a meeting with staff.
The president of the Derry Chamber of Commerce believes the area needs special attention by Invest NI.
Said Gavin Killeen: “Seventy jobs in Derry won’t make a huge impact on Seagate but I think that’s probably down to the fact that the Springtown plant is a key strategic part of the Seagate empire.
“A couple of years ago the north-west ministerial sub-group was established but nothing was really followed through.
“You’d like to see the re-establishment of that north-west sub-group, we’d like to see regional targeting for the creation of jobs with Invest Northern Ireland.”
Last week, the first and deputy first ministers said they were committed to the expansion of the Ulster University’s Magee campus and the A5 road project.
In a statement, Seagate said it was responding to new demand levels within the industry and taking the action to better position itself for success and growth
It added that while it was not easy to make decisions affecting people’s lives, it believed this was “the best way forward for the company at this time.”
Local politicians have been stunned at the job losses.
Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney said today he is seeking an urgent meeting with Seagate to discuss job losses at its Derry plant.
Mr McCartney said: “News that Seagate are planning to make up to 70 workers redundant came as a blow to the economy in Derry.
“Seagate is one of the largest employers in Derry and has been in the city for more than 20 years but unfortunately, due to global pressures on the technology industry, it is experiencing financial difficulties.
“Management in Derry need to work with the employees and make sure their rights and entitlements are protected and that they are kept updated during the process.
“I have been in contact with Seagate, both in Derry and internationally, to discuss the job losses in Derry to see what can be done to support the workers and jobs in the city.”
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