Former MLA calls on Invest NI to help with jobs crisis

Former UUP MLA Sam Foster has called on local government agency, Invest NI to help stem the flow of job cuts in the west of the province.

Mr Foster made his plea after union representatives confirmed that 60 jobs are likely to at the Kent Plastics car components plant in Enniskillen.

Last week, the company admitted it could face closure if its main supplier went ahead with a proposal to withdraw its business.

Mr Foster said: “I have told Invest NI that there must be a positive strategy in place to generate new jobs in the manufacturing arena for the Enniskillen area. The west is crying out for help and I have made vociferous representations to Invest NI about the situation.

"We cannot afford to see any more jobs disappear here. Recently we have lost the Phoenix picture framing business, Desmonds and a milk and cheese manufacturing company at Lisnaskea. While I welcome the promise of 350 jobs at a new call centre in Enniskillen, it will eventually provide work for people with different skills from those who have been in manufacturing.”

Commenting on the Kent Plastics situation, he added: “It would be another sad day for the region if the worst case scenario unfolded. Kent Plastics has provided sound employment for many people in the area for a long time.

“I trust we can encourage the firm to remain with them and safeguard jobs. This difficulty arose before and was overcome.”

(MB)