“This news is extremely disappointing and my main concern is with those staff who have been affected. I hope it is possible to avoid compulsory redundancies and workers are offered all possible assistance to secure alternative employment opportunities,” said Mr Lyttle.
“Bombardier workers are among the foremost skilled and productive staff in Northern Ireland, so this is no reflection on them. The aerospace and engineering sectors in Northern Ireland remain strong, despite a number of recent blows.
“I have made contact with Bombardier to offer Alliance’s assistance in any way we can, in order to help secure jobs and the ongoing success of a significant global company at the heart of the East Belfast and wider Northern Ireland economy.”