Economy: Mayor to host meeting with local traders

He revealed his plan at the outset of last Monday night’s monthly meeting of Council in The Braid.

“I am saddened to learn of the closure of Montgomerys in Ballymena and Cullybackey, who have been in business in the town and Cullybackey for over 82 years,” he told the gathering.

“This confirms more than ever, the top priority of this council must be to grow and maintain jobs and in fact, during this month, I will be meeting with key businesses in this borough to discuss their economic needs and how council can assist”.

Meanwhile employment took yet another hit last week with the announcement on Thursday that 19 jobs are to go at the former O’Kane’s factory in Ballymena.

New owners, Moy Park, said, however, said the Ballymena operation remains a key site for them and said they were hopeful that those affected will take up alternative positions within the group.

Their statement read: “Over the past 18 months Moy Park has continued to invest over £11m in its Ballymena operation.

“As part of our continuous improvement activities we are proposing a minor restructuring to the management and support structures at Ballymena so as to implement a more streamlined and focused operation. A small number of posts, (19 in total) will be affected by these changes and we have commenced a process of full consultation.

“The company is very hopeful that those affected will take up alternative positions within the group, where in Northern Ireland the company employs close to 5,000 people. The Ballymena operation remains a key site within the group employing over 1,100 people”.

North Antrim MLA Jim Allister described the move by Moy Park as “a major blow”.

Speaking on Thursday, the TUV leader said: “This represents something of the order of a 15% cut in staff jobs, which is substantial by any standard.

“I can understand seasonal swings in this industry at the factory floor level, as demand ebbs and flows, but an end to 19 long established staff jobs is a worrying sign. Having spoken today to senior management in the Ballymena operation, I am assured that this is a one off realignment. I trust it will indeed not lead to further job losses.

“At the time of the Moy Park takeover of O’Kanes there were assurances of job security and continuity. So, to now find 19 senior staff being made redundant is a most unwelcome development in respect of one of our major employers in North Antrim.”