Fermanagh/ South Tyrone MLA Tommy Gallagher
SDLP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tommy Gallagher has expressed his concern that confusion still exists over the future of jobs at First Trust branches in Enniskillen and Belleek, placed in jeopardy by the decision of Allied Irish Bank (AIB) to sell First Trust.
Mr Gallagher said he had been contacted by concerned staff and customers worried about their employment future.
He said: “Fermanagh doesn’t need further financial stress at the moment with the ongoing concerns for Quinn employees, not to mention the history of under-investment in the area as a whole from government. Employees and customers of First Trust at Belleek and Enniskillen deserve confirmation that their jobs are not at risk throughout this process and further beyond.
“In both Enniskillen and Belleek, staff have established good links with the local community and offer a dedicated and efficient service to that community. Belleek has two employees and this development raises questions about their jobs, and, indeed, if there will be a branch at all in the future, which is very disheartening. Cross border trade could also be affected. A border village such as Belleek needs cross border trade to sustain itself financially.
“I am concerned that a sale in this financial climate will be little more than a fire sale that will not have the interests of local customers at heart. This will only create further isolation for savers and businesses in Fermanagh. Staff and customers, trying to work and save through difficult financial times, are once again expected to carry the can for the excesses of senior management. Local staff, who have done the hard work in trading on the ground in Enniskillen and Belleek, with no bonuses, could pay for this mis-management with their futures. That must not be allowed to happen”
