WIGGLECRC ANNOUNCEMENT: '˜Possible job losses will be a massive blow to the area'

WiggleCRC was formed after a merger between Chain Reaction Cycles and online retailer Wiggle in February 2016.

Cllr David Arthurs has said that any potential job losses would be “a massive blow for the area”. The UUP representative said: At the time of the takeover I had reservations about it and what it would ultimately mean for the local warehouses here in Northern Ireland. This is a worrying time for the workforce and the families of WiggleCRC staff here in Northern Ireland and in particular Ballyclare, Doagh and Carrickfergus.

“I would ask the company to put its workforce front and centre in this consultation process that is about to begin and to be honest with its workforce which has been invaluable to the company’s success in Northern Ireland over the years.”

Cllr Arthurs added: Chain Reaction had always been a local family run business right up to the takeover earlier this year. Unfortunately it seems that the local workforce will suffer from the company’s success over the years.

“I would ask that the Minster Simon Hamilton and Invest NI work together to insure these jobs stay here in Northern Ireland.”

PUP representative Scott McDowell said: “I am concerned with the rumours that the plant in Doagh is set to close next year. Every effort should be made to secure jobs here. More should have been done to safeguard the jobs before the takeover was finalised. My thoughts are with the workers and their families at this time.”