‘Boris bus’ builders’ jobs freeze slammed

Unite has slammed manufacturing firm Wrightbus’ recruitment freeze as the latest blow to Ballymena and Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector.

The bus builders are well known for manufacturing the new style ‘Routemaster’ which became known as the ‘Boris bus’ after the former London mayor.

“The announcement by Wrightbus management that they will impose an immediate freeze on recruitment heightens uncertainty among our membership and the wider workforce,” commented Unite regional officer, Joanne McWilliams.

“This is particularly concerning given the recent closure notices in both JTI-Gallaher and Michelin – resulting in almost two thousand direct job losses in the local economy.”

Uncertainty

But Unite also believes the failure of Northern Ireland Executive parties to agree to a stand-alone industrial strategy in the context of Brexit concerns has left the manufacturing workforce facing uncertainty.

“The failure of the Northern Ireland Executive to adopt a stand-alone industrial strategy means that our manufacturing workforce is exposed to the full headwinds of Brexit and continued global economic turbulence,” said McWilliams.

“Towns like Ballymena risk being allowed to become post-industrial unemployment hotspots as Stormont stands idly by.

“It is now essential that the Executive parties reconsider their position on adopting an industrial strategy for Northern Ireland.”

Unite is seeking an urgent meeting with Wrightbus on the long-term implications of the freeze.

“Unite is concerned at the manner in which this announcement was made. We have requested an urgent meeting with management to discuss the long-term implications of this.” McWilliams concluded.