Jobs woe as Boris bus maker crashes

BORIS Johnson has been urged to step in and save the stricken manufacturer of the double-decker buses he ordered for London.

Wrightbus, the last UK-owned bus maker, is in administration, with up to 1,400 jobs at risk. The Northern Ireland firm’s efforts to find new backers have fallen flat.

Johnson was urged to intervene. In his time as London mayor, the Prime Minister ordered new, red Routemaster buses from Wrightbus.

The Unite union warned of ‘devastating consequences’ if Wrightbus goes under. In addition to direct job losses, it claims a further 3,400 are at risk in the supply chain.

Jackie Pollock, a regional secretary at the union, added: ‘This is a workforce at the cutting-edge of technological advancements in the design and supply of green public transport. We cannot afford to lose any more jobs or skills in this area. Ultimately the Government must intervene.

‘Three months ago Johnson gave assurances that he “will do everything we can to ensure the future of that great UK company”. He has a chance to do something decent.’

Wrightbus is one of Northern Ireland’s largest employers and its loss would be a major blow in the same week as travel firm Thomas Cook’s collapse.

Its founder, William Wright, has been a prominent supporter of Brexit and the Democratic Unionist Party, which has been propping up the Tories in Westminster.

Norman Stephens, a Wrightbus worker for 30 years, said: ‘For five years management told us they can’t give us a rise as they were investing it in the company. Who is going to employ a 62-year-old? I have nothing now.’