The SDLP has slammed the Enterprise Ministers decision to scrap the Renewable Heat Incentive and said it could cost 2,000 jobs.

West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said it makes "devastating reading" for many businesses.

Mr McCrossan said: "One company based in Omagh have £650,000 worth of orders taken on this scheme and have £400,000 worth of boilers already paid for and non-refundable. They are expecting this move to cost them around £1million and are seriously concerned about the future of their 70 staff. They said that if the Minister had given warning or employed a staggered reduction then the damage would not be as severe.

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"DETI has specialised in low-skill job creation and massive job losses particularly in manufacturing. Throughout the North this move has been forecast to cost 2,000 jobs in an industry that employs graduates and skilled workers. Minister Bell seems intent on creating a call-centre economy."

(CD/MH)