200 textiles jobs axed

A textiles company is closing a plant in Northern Ireland with the loss of 200 jobs, it was announced today.

Management at the Coats Viyella factory in Lisnaskea in Co Fermanagh informed employees this afternoon of the decision to close the plant.

The decision was taken at a meeting of management in London last week because of pressures in the international marketplace.

The future of the factory had been in doubt for three weeks.

The decision to shed 200 jobs at the plant will come as a body blow to the Co Fermanagh area, which has suffered a number of factory closures in recent months.

Sinn Fein Assembly member Michelle Gildernew described the Coats Viyella closure as ‘‘yet another blow to the economy in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

‘‘We are seeing the effects of structural weaknesses in the manufacturing base in our economy which are proving very susceptible to global pressures.

‘‘It underlines the need for new thinking to develop infrastructures in rural communities.’’

Stormont Social Development Minister Maurice Morrow extended sympathy to the families affected by the job losses, saying their impact on Lisnaskea should not be underestimated.

The Democratic Unionist MLA also confirmed Social Security Agency staff had been in contact with Coats Viyella management to provide advice to employees on benefit entitlement and redundancy payments.

‘‘Staff are on standby to offer advice to employees that they may have. The Agency will be working closely with other agencies and Government departments to provide comprehensive support to all those affected in this unfortunate situation.’’