More workforce cuts possible at Wrights Group

Additional cuts to Wrights Group’s workforce could be made.

Against the backdrop of continuing low levels of demand in the UK bus market, the manufacturer starting a consultation process that could lead to a further reduction in its workforce in Northern Ireland. Up to 95 roles could potentially be affected within the company’s Wrightbus, Customcare and EN-Drive subsidiaries based at Ballymena. This workforce reduction is in addition to the roles made redundant following a similar consultation process in February this year.

“There is a good deal of continuing uncertainty – specifically in the UK market – at present, which is causing private and public bus operators alike to delay or postpone their vehicle investment programmes” said Mark Nodder OBE, Chairman of Wrights Group.

“This has a direct impact on production levels at our Ballymena facilities and the announcement that we are making today – difficult and regrettable as it is – is nonetheless necessary to align workforce requirements with our near term order book.”

He added, “We are naturally working proactively with the union, employee representatives and other stakeholders to mitigate both the scale and the impact of job cuts within our business. With existing contracts in build or in the pipeline, and a number of potential projects yet to come to fruition, the company continues to be well positioned for when the market demand for new buses returns to more normal levels.

“As ever, given the sensitivities around this announcement, the company will not be making any further statement until the consultation process is concluded.”