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Jobs blow for healthcare company Jobs blow for healthcare company
(20 minutes later)
More than 260 people could lose their jobs at a medical equipment firm in Ballymoney, County Antrim.More than 260 people could lose their jobs at a medical equipment firm in Ballymoney, County Antrim.
Covidien, previously known as Tyco, have put workers on a statutory 90-day notice that they will begin a rundown of the factory from next February.Covidien, previously known as Tyco, have put workers on a statutory 90-day notice that they will begin a rundown of the factory from next February.
The company has had an operation in Ballymoney for the last 40 years. A union spokesman said the news had come as a complete shock.
Tyco made 30 people redundant in the town last year, which the company blamed on a fall in demand for its products. Covidien's Director of Communications Richard Bebilaqua said the proposal had been made after it conducted a review of its global operations.
"Covidien is a company that is looking to have its future growth solid," he told the BBC.
"We've decided that we needed to improve operating efficiency in all locations and the Ballymoney facility is one that we felt that we needed to propose the closing of," he said.
He said no other UK or Ireland plants would be affected.
The firm manufactures medical equipment
Mr Bebilaqua said they would be holding talks with employees and union representatives over the 90 days, but refused to say if demand for its products was increasing or decreasing.
Philip Oakes, a regional union officer with Unite, said they were "in the dark" as to the reasons for the proposed closure of the Ballymoney plant.
He said workers had been told the news earlier on Friday, and the plant would be run-down over a 12-month period.
"The company, as we understand, it was trading very well, was in a profit making position - it has just come out of the blue," he said.
"Until the consultation starts, we havn't got answers."
Tyco has operated in Ballymoney for the last 40 years.
The company made 30 people redundant in the town last year, which it blamed on a fall in demand for its products.
DUP assembly member Mervyn Storey said it was devastating news for those involved and their families.DUP assembly member Mervyn Storey said it was devastating news for those involved and their families.