Aircraft seat company in job cuts

B/E Aerospace makes seats for some of the world's biggest airlines

Up to 95 jobs could go at a County Down aerospace firm.

Kilkeel-based B/E Aerospace employs more than 800 people in their factory, which makes seats for the world's biggest airlines.

Managing director Sean Cromie said the industry was "not immune to global economic conditions".

"This has led to a requirement for us to downsize our business by about 10% in order to protect long-term viability in a very competitive market," he said.

South Down assembly member Jim Wells said it was the latest in a string of recent blows for Kilkeel.

"It is dreadful news for the town," he said.

"It's a complete bolt from the blue. There are still more than 700 people working for this factory and it's very important that we sustain this employment in these difficult times."

A year ago, just over 60 people were signing on in the Kilkeel benefits office. By Christmas, this will have risen almost six-fold to about 340.

Local councillor Henry Reilly said some workers were in tears after receiving the news.

"There's a 30-day consultation period after which decisions will be made on who loses their job," he said.

"It's a very difficult time, especially coming up to Christmas."