East Belfast MP Mrs Long was speaking after news broke that Dunnes could soon be leaving its unit in Connswater Shopping Centre. It follows the announcement that Tesco would also cease trading there in April.
Mrs Long said it was another unfortunate knock for the centre.
“This is undoubtedly another blow for Connswater, coming so soon after Tesco also said it would be leaving. In the wake of that announcement, I met with management of Tesco to seek assurances over the future of workers there.
“I will seek to do the same with Dunnes to make sure the company will offer them alternative roles where possible. The primary concern in this process must be the welfare of Dunnes employees, who may lose their jobs if they are not redeployed to other stores.
“I will also work with my Alliance colleague, Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry, and his Department, to make certain assistance is given to everyone affected.”
ENDS