Forty-six jobs to go at Lisburn company

The majority of work carried out at the site involves the printing of cheque books for most of the large UK banks. Workers have been told that there will be opportunities to work in Crewe if they wish to do so.

“On behalf of workers at the site, I have spoken twice to Andy Blundell, the Chief Executive of Communisis, following the recent news that his company is to close their Lisburn site,” said Mr Martin. “The majority of staff in Lisburn have responsibilities such as young families and mortgages and can’t just up sticks and move.

“I had a lengthy conversation with the company’s Chief Executive who stated to me that the company’s board were seeking to consolidate its operations due to a dramatic downturn in the use of cheques. Mr Blundell stated that due to vacancies in their Crewe site transfer opportunities would be available. He has stated that there was a higher than expected level of interest from those working in Lisburn at a possible move.”

Mr Martin continued: “The Chief Executive stated that Lisburn had always provided a skilled workforce and the closure was not a reflection on the staff or Lisburn as a place to do business. Primarily, there were costs involved in shipping the raw materials to Northern Ireland only for the finished product to be sent back to England again and that for commercial and logistical reasons the company had arrived at the decision it has.

“I have put Communisis in touch with the Council’s Economic Development Team and the Department of Employment and Learning resources to ensure that there is as much assistance and support on hand for employees to navigate these uncertain times,” he concluded.

The union Unite have said they are working to secure the best possible redundancy package for the workers.

Unite said there was a ‘deep reluctance to accept’ the Lisburn print company’s decision to relocate its business with the loss of 46 jobs.

Joanne McWilliams, Unite Regional Organiser, said that the cheque-making company had lost 50% of its business.

“The union has looked for alternative work, as has the company. We have gone round the houses on this but to no avail.

“The union is now looking to secure the best redundancy deal for our members.”