Commenting on today’s announcement by Michelin Mid and East Antrim Deputy Mayor Timothy Gaston said:
“My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost their jobs today. This would have been a devastating blow to people at any time but is especially sad so close to Christmas. When a big story like this breaks it is easy to forget the real lives behind the numbers. These are people with families to support, mortgages to pay and cars to service.
“Sadly there will be many people who will never forget today for all the wrong reasons”.
TUV councillor Brian Collins, in whose area the Michelin plant sits, said:
“This is a black day for Ballymena and indeed manufacturing in Northern Ireland as a whole. We have lost an employer who has been here since the late 1960s. Generations have worked in Michelin. Today that chapter comes to a close. Coming so soon after the JTI job losses it will be difficult for North Antrim to recover.
“It is important to remember that there will be other businesses and suppliers who will also be impacted by today’s news.
“Sadly the Stormont executive has neglected North Antrim when it comes to jobs and investment. After yet another shattering story on the employment front it is time that Invest NI got its house in order and made an effort to attract employment to the area.”
Bannside councillor Stewart McDonald added:
“Today’s news is deeply upsetting and a huge loss not just to the workers directly impacted but to the entire local economy. These were not minimum wage call centre jobs but skilled positions which commanded a good salary. There is now a duty on all elected representatives in North Antrim to follow TUV’s lead and demand that we get the fair deal we deserve from Invest NI when it comes to attracting employment to the area”.