Job losses at plant are confirmed

The Arntz Belting factory in Derry manufactures fan belts

Trade unions representatives have said they have had confirmation that 29 workers are to be let go by Arntz Belting in Londonderry on Wednesday.

The company, which makes fan belts for farm machinery, put the workforce of 175 on a three-day week in December because of the downturn in the economy.

Phillip Oakes from the trade union Unite said the company was unable to give any assurances about the future.

"At this stage we've been told nothing in terms of what will happen next."

He added: "We've had no reassurances about manning levels or production volumes, in fact it has been the opposite so now there's a lot of rumours flying around."

About 135 workers will be left at the factory in Pennyburn.

Liam Gallagher of Derry Trades Council said he was concerned for the company's future in the city.

"The workers at Arntz Belting have been concerned for the last two years for the long term commitment of this company to the city.

"Workers fear that the problem here is that the company is going to outsource for cheaper labour," he said.