Hundreds of Ulster jobs under threat

More than 300 jobs in two hi-tech companies in Northern Ireland are under threat.

Valence Technology in Mallusk, Co Antrim, is making 181 people redundant. The company, which employs 380 people, makes batteries for mobile phones.

At Nortel, around 150 jobs are believed to be at risk at its Monkstown plant in Co Antrim because of international market pressures. The Canadian firm is discussing the situation with staff.

Valence Technology is laying off the staff because of pressures on the global market but hopes to re-employ workers later in the year.