160 jobs go at engineering firm

Engineering company FG Wilson is reducing its workers by 160.

The company said the workers, employed through a recruitment agency, will be laid off from its plants in Larne, Monkstown and Springvale.

A statement said: "We regret this action is necessary, however, it is ultimately in the long-term interests of our business."

Last week the company said it was laying off 25 agency workers at the same three plants.

Meanwhile, the Belfast Telegraph said it was reopening its voluntary redundancy scheme for staff.

The company employs more than 400 people and is part of Independent News and Media, owned by Irish businessman Sir Anthony O'Reilly.

The company said the decision was unavoidable given "unprecedented trading conditions".

It would not say how many people it wants to take voluntary redundancy.