Mayor of Derry and Strabane Michaela Boyle
She expressed her solidarity with the workers at Smyth and Gibson, Victoria Road, Derry, at this difficult time.
The Mayor said Council would be working with the relevant statutory agencies to ensure procedures are in place to ensure comprehensive redundancy packages for workers are in place and that suitable retraining and education opportunities are available to help them get back to work.
She acknowledged the current pressures on the manufacturing industry and the competition from other export markets but said every effort must be made by the relevant statutory agencies to provide business support that allows them to be more sustainable.
The Mayor welcomed news that a significant number of the workers impacted by this announcement have been recruited by O’Neills Irish International Sports Company.
Mayor Boyle said: “News of these job losses is extremely disappointing and sad news for everyone involved.
“Earlier this week in my inaugural speech as newly elected Mayor I set out by commitment to do all I can to attract jobs, investment and regeneration to this city and district.
“I remain committed to that promise and would like to reassure those affected by today’s jobs losses that I will be proactively putting pressure on both the British and Irish Governments to place job creation high on their agenda for the people of the North West region.”
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