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More job losses predicted in Quarry Sector
New figures from within the quarry sector in Northern Ireland predict the loss of around 1600 more jobs between now and the end of year.
It’ll mean that since the beginning of 2008, employment levels within the industry will have dropped by a massive 31%.
The figures have emerged from an employment survey of the QPANI membership up to the 1st October 2008.
The quarry products industry in Northern Ireland comprise of companies involved in aggregates extraction, cement production, concrete production, road surfacing and is the main supply chain to the NI Construction Industry.
“The alarming loss of jobs this year is not just down to the downturn in housing but also due to the failure to deliver public sector revenue and capital infrastructure projects,” comments QPANI Regional Director Gordon Best.
“The supply chain to the Construction Industry is in freefall, we need urgent action by the Executive and the Assembly in order that we get decisions made on bringing funding forward, starting planned and funded projects in order that we protect jobs and skills within the Construction Industry. If we do not, then there will be no Industry left capable of delivering the envisaged Investment Strategy post 2012.”
He revealed that in a recent meeting with a senior Civil Servant it emerged funding was drying up because of a growing hole in the Northern Ireland budget due to back pay to civil servants, delay in the introduction of water charges and failure to realise income from capital receipts.
“That means a number of major capital infrastructure projects may have to be pulled or at least delayed,” added Mr Best. “It is my view that we need an urgent debate in the Assembly on the issue as many of my members believe there is no appreciation of the commercial reality or sympathy within the public sector as to what is happening, no one is listening and very little is being done by our leaders.” |
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