Fears hundreds of jobs could be lost in Derry by end of the month

Fears have been expressed that hundreds of jobs could be lost in the Derry area in the coming weeks.

According to the North West Community Network (NWCN), 300 workers have been placed on notice by employers.

The group has claimed the job losses, all of which are in the community and voluntary sector, will result in many of the services provided by the local groups disappearing.

Eamon O’Kane (pictured above), chairperson of the Derry Healthy Cities group – which is part of the Diverse City Community Partnership at Holywell Trust building in Bishop Street – said he expected the job losses to take effect in the coming weeks.

He said: “The North West Community Network recently gathered information on the widespread distribution of Protective Notice letters to staff in all manner of community organisations.

“In short, the Network estimates in the region of 300 people will either lose their jobs by the end of the month or simply do not know yet if they have a job to back to come the start of April.”

He concluded: “Can you imagine the reaction if we were facing the same kind of outcome at a local factory or school!”