MP raises concerns about potential redundancies at Ballyclare WiggleCRC plant

South Antrim MP Paul Girvan has welcomed the opportunity to meet with Wiggle/CRC, to discuss proposed plans for the consolidation of its Ballyclare-based warehouse and bike build operations.
Some workers from the Ballyclare site may be re-deployed to other roles at Mallusk. Pic by Google.Some workers from the Ballyclare site may be re-deployed to other roles at Mallusk. Pic by Google.
Some workers from the Ballyclare site may be re-deployed to other roles at Mallusk. Pic by Google.

Earlier this month, the Times reported how 62 jobs are under threat at the Ballyclare WiggleCRC site.

The move came after the firm entered a consultation period for the proposed consolidation of its warehouse and bike build operations in Co Antrim.

For more on this story, read hereWith a consultation period now underway, the meeting offered Wiggle/CRC the chance to re-affirm its long-term commitment to Northern Ireland and address the MP’s concerns regarding potential redundancies.

Ross Clemmow, CEO of Wiggle and Michael Cowan, Own Brand Director, CRC outlined the company’s rationale behind its plans, including the production time savings and environmental efficiencies, and expanded on their support for any employees potentially affected by the changes.

They also reinforced the company’s longer-term ambitions for its operations in Northern Ireland which include its buying and merchandising operations, marketing teams, a highly specialised bike engineering division as well as its retail store on Belfast’s Boucher Road.

Following the meeting, Paul Girvan MP said: “I valued the opportunity I had to meet with senior Directors at Wiggle/CRC. During the meeting I raised the need for Wiggle/CRC to indicate their long-term commitment to operating in Northern Ireland.

“Looking forward it is imperative that options are set out to employees for retraining and upskilling through Invest NI schemes.

“There is a consultation period ongoing with the employees affected which may allow some workers from the Ballyclare site to be re-deployed to other roles at Mallusk or Wolverhampton.

“In a highly uncertain economy this step is particularly welcome, that an element of job-security can be preserved for some of the staff.

“The Chain Reaction brand has a strong Northern Ireland identity. I welcome the on-going commitments made by Wiggle/CRC to maintain that identity.

“I and my office continue to be available to anyone facing redundancy who needs assistance.”

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