Jobs blow at NI firms

More than 100 people are to lose their jobs at two County Armagh factories, it has been announced.

Seagoe Ceramics at Carn Industrial Estate, Portadown will close in August, with the loss of 71 jobs.

The factory opened shortly after the Second World War and employed up to 600 people at its peak.

Meanwhile, 35 people are to be made redundant at Universal Meats, also in Portadown.

Craigavon councillor David Simspon said the losses had come from new EU leglislation and trading difficulties with Britain. Mr Simpson started the firm 20 years ago.

The losses come two weeks after it was announced that 250 jobs were to go in factories in counties Antrim and Down.