Manufacturing Taskforce Chair 'overwhelmed' by support for Wrightbus workers

More than 500 Wrightbus workers were given urgent advice and support today after the firm entered administration.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, in conjunction with the Department for Communities, hosted the information session in The Braid as part of a programme of support in response to the economic crisis.

Anne Donaghy, Chair of the Manufacturing Taskforce and Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, said: "An appeal has been made right across Northern Ireland to identify suitable manufacturing jobs for those affected by Wrightbus entering administration.

"We have been overwhelmed by the response and can confirm that to date we have more than 70 employers with vacancies who will be present at our job fair in The Braid this Tuesday."

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Maureen Morrow, said: "The community response to this week's awful news has been remarkable.

"This community is resilient, and we will continue to fight hard for jobs and provide as much help as possible to these workers and their families in the coming days and weeks."

Today's event provided an opportunity for all those made redundant to meet face-to-face with representatives from Council, the Jobs and Benefits Office, the Careers Service, and other key agencies.

Following the session, impacted Wrightbus staff who make a claim for benefit will have a dedicated work coach in their local Jobs and Benefit office, who will provide ongoing tailored support to help find work or retrain.

Tuesday's job fair will take place from 10am until 2pm in The Braid, Ballymena.

Council has set up a dedicated webpage where those affected by redundancy can access all the very latest information, support and guidance. It can be found at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/wrightbus

Alternatively, please email amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk