Mayor’s statement following P&O jobs announcement

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim says the Council is seeking urgent discussions with P&O after the ferry company announced it was cutting 800 jobs.

Councillor William McCaughey said he was deeply shocked by Thursday’s news, adding that Council officers are on-hand to support affected staff.

The Mayor said: “Like many, I was stunned by P&O’s announcement and the immediacy of it.

“My thoughts, first and foremost, are with the workers whose lives have been turned upside down. This Council stands firmly with them and we will do everything we can to help, advise and signpost them to vital assistance.

“We are planning to speak with P&O senior management in the incoming days regarding this situation and to understand the firm’s immediate plans. P&O provides a vital service within our borough and across Northern Ireland, and we will continue to work closely with them in the days and weeks ahead.

“While we welcome assurances that no staff at the Port of Larne will lose their jobs, we must also ensure that this vital gateway and the supply routes into and out of Northern Ireland are protected, and that the impact on our local businesses is minimal."