MATERIALS processing manufacturer Terex has confirmed plans to cut jobs across its operation in the north in response to Covid-19.
The US-owned engineering giant employs around 1,800 people at sites in Omagh, Dungannon, Campsie and Ballymoney.
It has announced a number of moves to cut costs, including company-wide salary reductions and redundancies.
It follows confirmation from Co Tyrone engineering firm Mallaghan this week, that it will cut its workforce over the coming weeks and months.
But Collins Aerospace said yesterday that there no plans to launch a consultation process regarding potential redundancies at its plant in Kilkeel, where it employs around 1,000 people.
The company said the jobs losses would be restricted to four sites in Britain. The Unite union said around 300 jobs are at risk.
Terex furloughed a significant number of workers during the coronavirus lockdown, but resumed production on May 18.
Despite stating that it continues to be “well-positioned”, Terex said it had felt the financial impact of Covid-19 as a result of the reduced demand from customers and key global markets.
In a statement confirming the start of a consultation period with workers, the manufacturer said: “We regret that it is necessary to consider a reduction in workplace numbers. We understand this is a worrying time for our team members and we will continue to communicate with them as events develop.
“Every attempt is being made to minimise job losses in these uncertain global conditions, while at the same assuring the sustainability of the business going forward.
“Our actions are intended to ensure continued service to the essential industries we support and serve, while also keeping our enterprise financially healthy to weather the economic conditions and to continue to be an important local employer going forward.”
Meanwhile, the Unite union has said that 287 ground service jobs are at risk at Belfast City and Belfast International airports. It follows an announcement by Swissport on Wednesday that it plans to cut 4,556 UK jobs.
Unite said 175 jobs are at risk at Belfast City Airport, with another 112 under threat at Aldergrove.
