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Around 60 jobs are to be axed at Belfast engineering firm Harland & Wolff.
The company is blaming the move on the downturn in the offshore oil and gas sector.
Michael Mulholland, spokesperson for the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering, said: "The announcement by Harland and Wolff management that they will be seeking up to 60 redundancies reflects the recent decline in the company's order books.
"This is the latest bad news story for manufacturing in Belfast and Northern Ireland and follows hot on the heels of a large-scale redundancy announcement at Bombardier. It reflects the continuing crisis in the sector.
"Both the GMB and Unite will engage fully with the employer to minimise the impact on our members and will work together to offer necessary employment support and advice services to affected members."
East Belfast Ulster Unionist representative, Andy Allen MLA, said action is needed to prevent further job losses in the manufacturing industry.
Mr Allen said: "Harland and Wolff has been at the heart of East Belfast for a very long time so this news will be devastating to the whole community. This news coming so soon after the announcement of the Bombardier job losses will leave people wondering what's next.
"I will be making representations to the DETI Minister to see what he plans to do not only to turn the tide of job losses in the manufacturing industry, but also to help those who will be affected by this announcement."
(CD/JP)
