Ford concern at Wrightbus job losses

5.30.00pm GMT Tue 24th Feb 2009

"Wrightbus is a very important part of the economy in County Antrim: the news of jobs being cut here is a devastating blow," said David Ford MLA

Alliance Leader David Ford has said the loss of 235 jobs at Ballymena-based company Wrightbus is a massive blow to the local economy.

The South Antrim MLA said: "I am deeply worried by this news. Wrightbus is a very important part of the local economy in County Antrim.

"The news of these job losses is a devastating blow. This is an extremely difficult time to be searching for alternative employment and many families in the area will be hit very hard by this announcement.

"The jobs being cut at Wrightbus are highly paid, highly skilled posts. The effects of the economic downturn continues to reverberate across Northern Ireland - we need to see decisive action from the Stormont Executive to address this massive problem."