Foster intervenesover shopfitter jobs

Martin McCafferty of Rock Shopfitting International Ltd. recently said he had to lay off 100 after losing a contract with the supermarket.

Now Mrs Foster has revealed she personally intervened regarding the issue back in 2011.

She has also asked Invest NI to get in contact with Mr McCafferty. The behind the scenes negotiations were revealed by the Minister after she was quizzed by Londonderry MLA Colum Eastwood.

Mr Eastwood asked her “what action she will take to safeguard the 100 jobs currently under threat following Tesco’s decision to cancel their contract with Rock Shopfitting International Ltd?”

She replied: “Mr McCafferty contacted me in July 2011 and, at his request, I personally intervened with Tesco senior management regarding an ongoing issue between the companies. At the same time Mr McCafferty met with the staff from Invest NI’s North West regional team. I’ve now instructed Invest NI to contact Mr McCafferty to discuss his company’s current situation.”