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The Association for Consultancy and Engineering’s Northern Ireland group has expressed concern that the coalition Government’s cuts will lead to greater job losses and economic hardship for the region. ACE’s Northern Ireland group believe that this could mean as many as 25% of member firms folding during 2010.
The construction industry in Northern Ireland has been particularly hard hit during the recession. Since 2007 job losses in all sectors of construction has fallen by around 30% with unemployed construction workers now totalling over 13,000, one in four of all claims for unemployment benefit.
Gavin Browne, chairman of ACE’s Northern Ireland group, said: “ACE members in Northern Ireland have said that trading conditions have been at their most difficult for as long as they can remember. There is a real fear that many firms may not survive past 2010. This will have a severe impact on the construction industry’s ability to respond to any upturn in the economy in the future. Continuing to invest in Northern Ireland’s infrastructure, schools, hospitals and roads will give the industry a much needed boost to overcome the challenging times ahead and leave the country better positioned when the economy improves. The message from consultants and engineers to the Northern Ireland executive is clear and simple; investment is essential if the construction industry and engineering in particular is to survive.”
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For press information please contact Simon Goldie on 020 7227 1892 or 07905 279328 – sgoldie@acenet.co.uk
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