Diocesan News
Wrightbus job losses an ‘unwelcome blow’ says Bishop’s Commissary
The Ven George Davison, Commissary for the Church of Ireland Bishop of Connor, has expressed sadness at the loss of 1,200 jobs at Ballymena–based Wrightbus.
The company, founded by the Wright family in 1946, went into administration on Wednesday, with Deloitte, the administrator, saying that just 50 jobs will be retained at the firm.
The company is known for building the new London Routemaster bus, or ‘Boris Bus’, ordered by Boris Johnson when he was Mayor of London.
Archdeacon Davison said: “Our thoughts today are with all those Wrightbus employees, many of whom will have worked for the company for decades, as they find themselves facing an uncertain future.
“This is a most unwelcome blow for them and for the economy in Ballymena and the mid Antrim area.”
The Rev Mark McConnell, rector of St Patrick’s, Ballymena, commented: “My thoughts go to the individual workers and their families with this terrible news today.
“For them this is far more than just an interesting if sad news story, this will bring life–changing challenges to these families and the wider community of Ballymena.
“I know that the company and its employees will be in the prayers of the faith community here and we hope that there can still be a solution, full or partial, to reverse this terrible news.”
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Connor
07766 103880
Mrs Karen Bushby
dco@connordiocese.org