Talks to avert Shorts lay-offs collapse

More than 1,000 workers may lose their jobs in Belfast following the collapse of talks between management and unions at the Shorts aerospace company.

The two sides were attempting to negotiate a pay deal that would avert the company's plans to shed more than 1,000 jobs.

However, the trade unions walked out of the discussions yesterday, accusing management of intransigence.

The company rejected this accusation and insisted it was fully committed to the talks process.

Two months ago, 60% of the Shorts 5,700-strong workforce voted against a four-year pay deal designed to avert redundancies.

Union leaders had recommended acceptance of the deal and the Shorts management warned that its rejection would leave the company with no option but to lay off 1,050 workers.