When Bombardier announced plans to cut 5,000 jobs worldwide earlier this month, there were fears that the axe would fall to some extent on the company's Northern Ireland operation.
But while local workers had been braced for bad news, when it eventually came yesterday it was even worse than anticipated.
Almost 500 staff will lose their jobs by March, delivering a difficult Christmas for the families affected and a tougher new year as workers try to cope with a dramatic change in their circumstances.
Bombardier is one of our biggest employers but has been hit by a number of cuts in recent years.
What has to be remembered is that every large-scale cutback by a major manufacturer cannot be viewed in isolation.
Suppliers and outside contractors who rely on Bombardier will be concerned about the impact on their future orders and revenues.
Then there is the loss to the wider economy of well-paid, highly skilled jobs. We can expect a downturn in consumer spending which even in the short term can be detrimental to local businesses.
This is deeply disappointing news and a bitter blow to every worker facing redundancy and comes after hundreds of people lost their jobs with the closure of the Michelin tyre factory in Ballymena earlier this year and the shutdown of JTI Gallaher in the town.
The question those working in the manufacturing sector are entitled to ask is, what is being done to safeguard jobs and attract further investment offering secure, well-paid employment?
This is an issue that needs a minister and government with determination and vision to drive it forward, to come up with a strategy that takes into account rapid changes in industry.
Bombardier is of huge importance to the Northern Ireland economy and requires political focus and action to ensure the company continues to provide employment to thousands of people.
Political drift and inaction is not acceptable when livelihoods are at risk.
