To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline any engagement she has had with employees, trade union representatives and the local community following Glens of Antrim Potatoes being placed into administration.

I was saddened to learn that Glens of Antrim Potatoes has been placed into administration; my thoughts are with those affected.

My Department, through Invest NI, has been in regular contact with Company representatives since the announcement and has sought a meeting with them.

Invest NI has also been in contact with the Department for Communities, and Causeway Coast & Glens and Mid and East Antrim Council. The administrators, Department for Communities and both Councils delivered an employment support workshop on Friday 25th September to help employees understand their rights, benefits entitlements, help to undertake job searches and signposting to wider support services.

Invest NI is also working with Mid and East Antrim Council and the Labour Market Partnership to identify jobs vacancies within local businesses. A jobs fair is taking place on Friday 2nd October with businesses with vacancies attending alongside Ballymena Jobs & Benefits Office and support organisations.

My Department’s Redundancy Payments Service has been in contact with the administrators to support those applying for statutory redundancy and/or insolvency payments from the National Insurance Fund.