Bombardier shuts sites in Northern Ireland for four weeks

by PA reporter

Aircraft manufacturer Bombardier, one of Northern Ireland's largest employers, has suspended production at its operations in the region until April 20.

Some employees will continue in business critical roles during the four-week shut down.

The period will consist of three weeks when employees will come under the Government's Job Retention Scheme guidelines and a week of Easter vacation on full pay.

A Bombardier spokeswoman said: "In the current unprecedented circumstances, we want to make the best decisions possible for our people, our communities, the wider Northern Ireland society, and the sustainability of our business.

"As the UK ramps up efforts to delay the spread of Covid-19, and following announcements from Bombardier Aviation on the closure of sites in Quebec and Ontario, Canada, we have made the decision to stop production temporarily at all our Northern Ireland sites until 20 April.

"These measures will help us maintain as many people as possible in full-time employment.

"Critical support will be required to continue during the furlough and therefore some employees will be required to work during this time, obviously continuing to maximise working-from-home opportunities and the safest working practices."

The spokeswoman added: "We look forward to being fully operational again shortly to ensure the continued success of our business in Northern Ireland."