Ericsson job losses 'an unexpected blow' to town - McFadden

Fine Gael Longford/Westmeath TD, Nicky McFadden, has expressed her sympathy to those affected by the loss of 100 jobs at Ericsson in Athlone. "My thoughts are with the staff and families who are affected by these jobs losses. The announcement has certainly come as an unexpected blow to the town. I have been informed that Ericsson's announcement is part of a global restructuring aimed at improving the company's competitiveness. There will also be job losses in other Ericsson facilities around the world I believe. She said she hoped that Ericsson would reaffirm its full commitment to Ireland and to its facility in Athlone and that the company will continue to provide employment to over 700 people in the town. "Back in June 2011, Ericsson announced the creation of 100 high-end Research & Development jobs in Athlone in a project supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation through the Industrial Development Authority. Since then almost 200 jobs have been created on that project," said Deputy McFadden. "Since this Government has taken office over 250 jobs have been announced in projects in Athlone supported by the Department of Jobs through the IDA. And more than 9,000 new jobs have been created internationally in IDA supported companies since the start of 2011. "My thoughts are with the workers and their families who will be affected by today's decision and I am assured that all the supports of the State will be made available to those affected."