A leading Ulster pre-cast concrete manufacturer, who helped build Belfast's landmark Victoria Square shopping complex, has become the latest victim of the construction sector slowdown.

Acheson and Glover yesterday revealed jobs would be cut at its four Tyrone factories.

The firm, who also manufactures brick and paving, said the job losses would be spread across all production units.

In addition to its Northern Ireland facilities in Fivemiletown, Dungannon, Ballygawley and Pomeroy, the firm also operates in Scotland, England and the Republic of Ireland.

Acheson and Glover was also heavily involved in the construction of the Belfast's monumental £400 million Victoria Square shopping development.

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Yesterday's announcement follows a "detailed review" of business, prompted by the acquisition of Finlay Breton, last year.

The redundancies were also accelerated by the "well documented downturn in the construction industry and the current difficult banking situation which is affecting mortgage lending particularly", according to the firm.

An Aughnagar Road employee told the local paper, the Tyrone Times: "If this had happened last year I would have been confident of finding a new job fairly quickly.

"However, this has got me really worried. I will be fighting this tooth and nail."

Local Councillor Anthony McGonnell described the situation as "highly regrettable".

He said: "My fear is that more jobs will go and more people will be forced to sign on for unemployment benefit, thus placing a further strain on public finances."

An Acheson and Glover spokesperson said: "We as a business are taking all appropriate actions to ensure that our business is in a strong position to capitalise on any upturn in future markets.

"All our efforts will now be focused on minimising the impact of this move on those employees affected and their families in this difficult time."

(PR)(BMcC)