Diocesan News18 Feb 16

Job Losses at Bombardier

A statement from Rt Revd Harold Miller, Bishop of Down & Dromore:

“The announcement that around 1000 jobs will be lost at Bombardier is a real challenge for the people of Northern Ireland and especially of East Belfast. Bombardier is the largest employer in the province, and offers many highly skilled jobs which are critically important for the health of our community at this time. The First Minister has pledged to do all in her power to help in this situation, but it makes us very aware of our vulnerability to the multi–national factors that affect many large employers.

“It is important to remember that every job lost has a profound effect on a person and often on a whole family. Losses may well be inevitable at this point in time, but the uncertainty and pain they bring need to be acknowledged. My thoughts and prayers are with those whose lives may be profoundly changed by this announcement.

“Looking ahead, I hope that we can purposefully build a creative and entrepreneurial culture in Northern Ireland where a new generation of able and gifted young people will find fulfilling and meaningful work.”