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Workers blockade firm's premises Workers blockade firm's premises
(about 4 hours later)
Workers at a haulage firm now in administration are blocking the entrance to the company's premises. Workers at a haulage firm now in administration have blocked the entrance to the company's premises.
The employees of Cloughmills-based Reid Transport Ltd said they wanted to be paid what they are owed and are angry at finding themselves out of work.The employees of Cloughmills-based Reid Transport Ltd said they wanted to be paid what they are owed and are angry at finding themselves out of work.
About 200 jobs are to be lost after attempts to sell it failed. Workers said they were told their jobs were safe.About 200 jobs are to be lost after attempts to sell it failed. Workers said they were told their jobs were safe.
Five lorries are queued outside the depot and are unable to get in.Five lorries are queued outside the depot and are unable to get in.
The employees said they had been informed just five weeks ago that there was no threat to their jobs.The employees said they had been informed just five weeks ago that there was no threat to their jobs.
A letter posted to employees last month described concerns over the firm's future as "unfounded" and "malicious rumours".A letter posted to employees last month described concerns over the firm's future as "unfounded" and "malicious rumours".
On Wednesday, workers arrived for work as normal only to be told they were being made redundant.On Wednesday, workers arrived for work as normal only to be told they were being made redundant.
"All of Reids received a letter from managing director, Liam Reid, that there was absolutely nothing to worry about," said Reid Transport employee Sonia McCready.""All of Reids received a letter from managing director, Liam Reid, that there was absolutely nothing to worry about," said Reid Transport employee Sonia McCready."
'Already taken steps''Already taken steps'
The County Antrim company also has depots in Dublin, London, Manchester and the West Midlands.The County Antrim company also has depots in Dublin, London, Manchester and the West Midlands.
Economy Minister Nigel Dodds said help would be given to the workersEconomy Minister Nigel Dodds said help would be given to the workers
He said his department has already taken steps to address the issue.He said his department has already taken steps to address the issue.
"My department has been in close contact with the Department of Employment and Learning about trying to ensure that every possible assistance is given to those workers," he said."My department has been in close contact with the Department of Employment and Learning about trying to ensure that every possible assistance is given to those workers," he said.
"But more particularly we want to ensure that redundancy payments are made as quickly as possible, especially at this time running up to Christmas.""But more particularly we want to ensure that redundancy payments are made as quickly as possible, especially at this time running up to Christmas."
A letter reassuring staff was sent outEnlarge ImageA letter reassuring staff was sent outEnlarge Image
Administrators PricewaterhouseCoopers Efforts said every effort would be made to secure redundancy payments for the workers before Christmas.Administrators PricewaterhouseCoopers Efforts said every effort would be made to secure redundancy payments for the workers before Christmas.
PricewaterhouseCoopers' Garth Callow said the failure to find a buyer meant they had no option but to close the business and "implement an immediate redundancy programme".PricewaterhouseCoopers' Garth Callow said the failure to find a buyer meant they had no option but to close the business and "implement an immediate redundancy programme".
"A small number of workers are being retained to assist with an orderly run down of the operation, but drivers and sub-contract drivers already on the road have been asked to complete their current journey and they will be paid for this work."A small number of workers are being retained to assist with an orderly run down of the operation, but drivers and sub-contract drivers already on the road have been asked to complete their current journey and they will be paid for this work.
"This is a particularly difficult situation so close to Christmas, particularly when there is no prospect of saving the company and the jobs," said Mr Callow."This is a particularly difficult situation so close to Christmas, particularly when there is no prospect of saving the company and the jobs," said Mr Callow.