Criticism of Firstsource as 50 jobs face chop in Derry

Firstsource has received £15.39m in financial assistance from Invest NI from 2002/3 to 2021/2, with the majority £8.1m going to the Foyle office, £5.09m to Belfast South and £2.21 to East Londonderry.

Much of that money was handed over in 2006/07 and 2007/08, but it still means they were at number 11 in terms of companies that have received the most Invest NI funding.

Local representatives have said the company plans to offer redundancy to 63 workers, including 50 in the Derry area where it has around 250 workers.

The jobs consultation is linked to work for its client, NOW Broadband, part of the Sky entertainment group,

SDLP representatives are set to meet with the company and raise the concerns of staff.

Foyle Westminster candidate Colum Eastwood said: “News that 50 jobs are at risk at Firstsource in Derry will cause real concern and uncertainty for many families in our city.

“Firstsource is a major employer in this area and my thoughts are with everyone affected by this announcement across the North as they face a difficult few months while this situation is resolved.

“The SDLP will be meeting with Firstsource in the coming days and making the case for affected staff.

“Everything possible must be done to ensure that job losses are kept to a minimum and that staff receive the necessary support and guidance throughout.”

People Before Profit Foyle General Election candidate Shaun Harkin has described the redundancy announcement as “deeply concerning”.

It marks the second significant instance of redundancies in less than a year from Firstsource, he said.

Last summer, it announced 200 redundancies.

Mr Harkin accused Firstsource bosses of treating their workers with “contempt”.

He said: “I send solidarity to the workers at Firstsource during this challenging time. People Before Profit will fight for their jobs and offer them all the support we can.”

“Yet again we have the bombshell news of massive job losses within a major employer in Derry.

“The lack of consultation from Firstsource bosses again shows their appalling attitude towards Derry workers.

“This should serve as a wake-up call. It underscores the vital importance of unionisation for workers’ rights and protection.

“The success of the Seagate trade union recognition campaign serves as a testament to the power of collective action.”

He added: “Firstsource have been recipients of large amounts of public money through Invest NI.

“Invest NI need to look at how they allocate public money more responsibly. People in Derry need stable employment not companies that engage in ‘cut and run’ tactics.

“People Before Profit will fight for ethical investment for this City. We need jobs that pay well from people and organisations that treat unionised workers well.

“The days of throwing public money at fly-by night, low wage, union busters must come to an end.

“Derry needs a new economic vision.”

Firstsource has been contacted for comment.