SDLP Lurgan councillor Ciaran Toman has said that up to 200 jobs being lost at the Americold depot in the area is a massive blow.

The company confirmed the move on Monday, citing plans to “prioritise downsizing”.

Councillor Toman said:

"The news that Americold is downsizing its operation in Lurgan with up to 200 people potentially losing their job is a massive blow to this area. Americold are one of the major employers in Lurgan and there will be many employees and their families left very worried as a result of this news. The SDLP’s thoughts are with all those affected.

“We have seen numerous job losses in Lurgan over recent years with all too few jobs being created to replace them. This news will have a serious impact on the local economy, at what is an already difficult time for many families, with cost of living and other pressures.

“I will be reaching out to both Americold and their staff to discuss this decision and to see what steps can be taken to support those affected. It’s deeply disappointing that there is no Executive or Assembly in place to help mitigate the fallout of these job losses and to address the failure to invest properly in job creation in this area in the long-term.”