Construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar is to axe 140 jobs from its factories in Larne, Monkstown and west Belfast.

Alliance East Antrim MLA, Stewart Dickson, said he is disappointed at the job losses and his thoughts are with the workers and their families.

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He said: "I hope that the job losses can be addressed through voluntary redundancy.

"My colleague the Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry, and his officials have already been in contact with Caterpillar's management. The Department's redundancy and employment services will be available to the affected workers."

(CD/MH)