When the news of the potential closure of the BT Enniskillen site was announced last Thursday, February 8, the news sent shockwaves around County Fermanagh, as people considered the potential repercussions of such a move for both the staff and the community they work in.
Local businesses have also reacted to the news with shock and disappointment, knowing that the loss of around 300 jobs in Enniskillen would be keenly felt in the community.
As well as the local business owners and workers we spoke to below, there was also a feeling of great disappointment from other staff members within businesses located in the town centre.
The Impartial Reporter asked local business people for their reactions to the news of the possible closure of BT Enniskillen later this year, with the loss of many jobs.
Simon Kennedy, Manager, S.D. Kells
It is hard on the town - there are no other jobs similar locally, and those staff, where do they go? Especially at the wage rate they are getting.
They are in the town centre, they are in the town, they spend money on their breaks, it is just another thing gone out of the town centre.
There will be a knock-on impact on businesses, because there is no one to sponge up the jobs.
I am just disappointed we can’t attract more industry to the town, or the county.
It is terrible news; a lot of people are there a long time, and have mortgages.
Katie Kennedy, Manager, Fermanagh Cottage Industries
It is concerning, as there are so many local staff employed who would shop with ourselves and everyone else within the town.
It is quite sad. It will have a knock-on effect with ourselves, as they will not be earning, so they won't be spending and in with us buying.
It is hard for all the families involved. It might not just be one person in the household - it could be two members.
There have been a few people talking about it, but more about their family member losing their job, or not knowing what they are going to do, or where they're going to go.
They would have been up the town on their lunch breaks, especially after pay day.
It will have a massive knock-on effect on the whole town. If they shop within the town, then that [wages/income] would then be spent in other businesses, so that will be lost within the town, unfortunately.
Maureen Wilkin, Leslie’s Bakery
It will have a negative impact on the town. With over 300 staff, even if only so many go into a shop, they're supporting local businesses.
There are only a few of us [businesses] left; it has such an impact on staff, to lose 300 jobs to this.
It will impact footfall on the street; it has a big impact on customers. It is a major loss to the town, especially as BT are a major employer.
Michael Cadden, Owner, Pat’s Bar and Lusty Beg Hotel
Having only seen what [information] is released, in particular by the local politicians, it seems they are going; they [BT] are setting it up to go.
I had a very constructive meeting with the Chief Executive [of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council].
My intention is to put a proposal in to the Council to organise a trade envoy, fronted by Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism, as a destination management organisation to try and encourage as much foreign direct investment.
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