REDUNDANCIES AT BOWMAN WINDOWS

Bowman Windows, which has been operating for more than 35 years, could even lose as many as 31 employees from its glass and PVC departments.

Workers, many of whom have been with the family-run business for years, were told last week that they will finish work on Friday for the last time.

The Scarva Road business, which supplies PVC, aluminium and glass across the whole of Ireland, will have around 18 shop-floor workers left after Friday's redundancies.

One man facing redundancy told the Leader the news came as a shock last Monday.

"We had been working three days a week for the past few months but work had picked up again recently so when we were called together last week and told the news we were all in shock," said the man who did not wish to be named.

"There are some people who have worked here for so long that they know no other job.

"I've been looking for work in the job centre since I heard but I really don't know what the future holds at this point in time," he added.

It is understood there are around 21 people still working in the factory's office.

The Bowman's employee said the short period of time between the announcement and the last day of work has left many workers in a state of disbelief.

"We were expecting a period of 30 days notice but we will be out within two weeks of being told about the redundancies so it is all happening very quickly," said the worker.

"It is hard to take in that it is really happening."

The long-standing employee said he hopes workers will receive redundancy money within three months.

"We've been told we should get our money in 12 or 13 weeks but we have no union to fight for us so we just have to take them at their word," he said.

No-one from Bowman Windows was available for comment yesterday (Monday).