Social Democratic and Labour Party MLA Dolores Kelly has said that the loss of 180 jobs at Thompson Aero sites in Portadown and Banbridge is devastating news for local people during a time of crisis.

Dolores Kelly MLA said:

“Today’s announcement will come as a very severe blow to this workforce and to communities in Portadown and Banbridge,

“My thoughts are with the workers and their families who face a very uncertain future. I want to assure them that I will be exploring every opportunity to provide support to those affected in this industry. I will be meeting with Trade Union representatives as soon as possible.

“Should job losses on this scale proceed, it will represent a devastating blow not just to the workers affected and their families, at this time of crisis, but to the economy of Northern Ireland as a whole.

“Aerospace plays a central role in our region’s economic success, but the sector faces huge challenges as a result of the Covid shutdown of the aviation sector leading to a collapse in new orders. The Executive cannot afford to sit back and watch – it must now intervene to protect vital industrial capacity, jobs and skills.”