Call for supports for up to 195 Intel, Kildare workers facing mandatory redundancy

A plan must be rapidly put in place to support up to 195 staff facing mandatory redundancy from their jobs at the Intel plant in Leixlip, Co Kildare according to Social Democrats Kildare North TD Aidan Farrelly.

Deputy Farrelly said: “Section 12 of the Protection of Employment Act 1977 provides that an employer proposing collective redundancies must notify the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment – we understand that this happened today.

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“I wrote to the Minister this morning and asked him what are the next steps that his Department and the Industrial Development Agency will be taking to ensure those facing redundancy are provided with adequate supports.

“We must see a full suite of supports provided by Intel and the State – those affected need to be made aware of their rights, entitlements, and any offers of up-skilling or access to further education.

“The Minister should also make clear that these supports, should they be required, will be available and in place immediately – I made this call in April when news of potential redundancies first emerged."

He added: “When a mammoth multinational announces radical measures such as these, it’s easy for some to forget that behind the numbers are real people, real families – they must be treated fairly during this difficult time.

“Intel must now clarify if further mandatory redundancies are likely to come – a large-scale job loss scenario could have massive consequences on the local and national economy.”