News that Tayto, one of Northern Ireland's best known businesses, may shed up to 80 workers at its base in Tandragee has come as a considerable surprise.
The crisp-maker is a popular and long-established brand which in the last three years has made a pre-tax profit totalling more than £17 million.
However, management acting on behalf of parent company Manderley Food Group said on Thursday that while it is not currently in formal consultation with staff regarding redundancies at the Tandragee site, ``there is a strong possibility we will have to consider this.''
Trade union Unite has criticised the company and pointed out there has been an issue recently over paying staff the new national living wage.
The union is now balloting for strike action but it must be hoped that discussions can take place to resolve any difficulties.
The company said this financial year has proved more difficult than last year, which was described as `outstanding', while considerable investment has been made in capital expenditure.
Certainly, the loss of so many jobs would have a severe impact on the local economy and devastating on a personal level for workers and their families.
In what has been a grim week on the jobs front, employees at stock exchange operator Euronext have been told its IT operation will be relocating to Portugal.
The business employs 70 people at its Belfast office and closure would be regarded as an unexpected setback for the finance sector in Northern Ireland which has enjoyed considerable growth in recent years.
Hopefully, staff losing their jobs will find their skills in demand elsewhere and every support must be provided to help them secure fresh employment.
