Potential jobs loss at National Trust could be a major blow for Strangford, says Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong.
The potential loss of 1200 jobs at the National Trust across the UK could mean a major blow for the Strangford constituency with the loss of 80 jobs across Northern Ireland, Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said.
Ms Armstrong was speaking after the organisation announced it had opened a consultation on proposals to make 1,200 staff redundant, with potentially 80 of those in Northern Ireland. It has said the coronavirus pandemic is to blame.
“This is extremely sad news and my thoughts are with those staff members across the National Trust but particularly in Northern Ireland. This is a major blow for the sector and potentially for Strangford,” Ms Armstrong said.
“Without the National Trust, we would not be able to visit amazing places across Strangford such as Mountstewart, Kearney village or Rowallane. It has maintained and developed not only stately homes but world-class famous gardens and sites, which have attracted local and international tourism.
“The organisation also manages the islands in Strangford Lough and much of the coastline around the Ards Peninsula, which is vital.
” I will be contacting the Communities Minister to see if there is any option to support the work of the National Trust through the Historical Environmental Division.”
