Government must identify vulnerable industries in wake of Gateway closure

8 Aug 2001

The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed has called on the Government to proactively identify vulnerable industries in the wake of the today's Gateway closure announcement.

Tony Monks, General Secretary of the INOU said

"Gateway's decision to pull out of Ireland must spark Government action to identify other potential vulnerable industries. Companies which have received substantial State investment must work closely with Government to prevent mass job losses.

" The loss of 850 jobs is a huge tragedy for the workers involved. Those workers who are unfortunate enough not to be re-employed will have to rely on completely inadequate welfare payments for themselves and their families.

" The country has been swept by a wave of cross sectoral job losses this year. We can only hope that the Gateway closure does not indicate a severe downturn in the computer industry in Ireland."

A worker who qualifies for Unemployment Benefit and has one adult and two child dependents will receive a welfare payment of £165.90 per week for the family.

ENDS
For further information contact:
Tony Monks, General Secretary
01 856 0088 / 087 249 6066
Noeleen Hartigan, Press Officer
01 856 0088 / 087 616 7689