Duncan calls on Minister to step up on North Antrim jobs front

He said: “With the Michelin announcement 860 people immediately found out they’d lost their jobs. So while the Apeer announcement is positive and will be good news for 25 people, we cannot be complacent.

“There’s no doubt that the manufacturing industry in the North has suffered a significant blow in the last year. So when Jonathan Bell announced that he would leave no stone unturned to bring in jobs to replace what had been lost, people maintained hope. Now as we head toward an Assembly election, it’s important that local people take the opportunity to hold their representatives’ feet to the fire and ask what has been delivered.

“I see an area with rich industrial heritage as well as a highly motivated workforce. We have the potential to attract new investment and new jobs but it will require investment in people and in skills. The SDLP is committed to expanding our skills base and investing in our workforce.

“It’s time we saw real investment in people in this area and in our communities.”