Durkan regrets HML job losses

Mr Durkan said: "This news will come as a huge blow to those workers and their families who are affected by these job losses.

"The company have assured me that their decision is purely a response to market conditions and no comment on the aptitude or skills of the Derry workforce.

"HML are currently looking for voluntary redundancies as well as exploring other options like career breaks or reduced hours.

"However, it is important that all relevant agencies become involved in order to ensure that the workers are made aware of all their rights and entitlements at what will be a time of great anxiety and uncertainty.

"This regrettable news reinforces the urgency of a robust response from government to the recession here in the North West."