H&W job losses latest bad news story for sector

As renewed calls were made for Ministerial intervention to ensure skills retention for future, Michael Mulholland, regional organiser and spokesperson for the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering said: “Management will attempt to achieve this reduction through seeking volunteers among the workforce in the first instance.”

Representing also the GMB and Unite, he said they would engage fully with the employer to try and minimise the impact on members and work together to offer necessary employment support and advice services to affected members.

“Our unions are seeking assurances from the DETI and DEL Ministers that they will mandate relevant agencies to put in place a package for those affected, perhaps involving upskilling, which will mean that these skilled workers are available for the company, as and when they expand their workforce with an improving order book”, he added.”