54 redundancies are to be made at construction firm Patton Group it has been confirmed.

The administrator Tom Keenan of Keenan CF said in a statement: "A significant number of customers have terminated contracts resulting in a sharp decline in activity levels. The company's trading position will continue to be reviewed."

The family run firm already paid off 190 employees earlier this month when it went into administration.

Many subcontractors who carried out work for the Patton Group have not been paid. They have asked the Stormont executive for a rescue plan.

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Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay said: "This is another blow to the workers, to families and the local economy in North Antrim and is especially cruel given that we are now only weeks away from Christmas.

"The Department of Employment and Learning must ensure that they can do whatever they can to support those redundant workers and help them fit back into the workforce elsewhere.

"I am concerned however that the Enterprise Minister has not taken up an invitation to meet with representatives of the sub-contractors to listen to their concerns about the sector. That is something that needs addressed immediately, regardless of the Department’s limitations in providing support to those affected, and I would call on the Minister to take up the opportunity to hear at first hand the impact that this news is having on the construction community."

(CD)