Mr Dickson was speaking following the announcement by Williams Industrial Services it had gone into administration, with the loss of the majority of its 145 staff immediately. In a separate incident, the Unite union claimed Schlumberger’s Newtownabbey plant will be closing, with the loss of around 200 jobs, after the company rejected a rescue bid by local management.
“This news is deeply troubling, and my first thought is with the workers and their families who will be affected by this,” said Mr Dickson.
“This is no reflection on the staff at Williams or Schlumberger, or their skills. Despite the valiant efforts by employees and trade unions, there will now be many who are worried about the future of their employment.
“It is crucial anyone made redundant receives support and guidance to assist them with their next steps, and help them to find other suitable employment. That action is of course sadly made more difficult with the lack of an Executive in place.”