100 jobs at risk at Tyrone business

UP to 100 jobs could be lost at Tyrone-based tech firm Viberoptix who specialise in broadband installation.

Viberoptix was Fibrus’ major contractor on the roll-out of a broadband network in the North. Fibrus has announced that the construction phase of that project is coming to an end and has planned 60 redundancies.

That is having a knock-on effect to Viberoptix which employs 570 people across Ireland and the UK.

The firm has not said how many jobs are under threat but has started a 90-day consultation, a legal requirement if 100 or more redundancies are planned.

Viberoptix chief executive, Naomhan McCrory, said he was confident the firm could “pivot” into other work.

Mr McRory said, “In the next weeks and months we will consult closely with our staff about the changing shape of our organisation and we will redeploy where possible”.

He added that the company would, “explore diversification into other sectors and with other partners and clients”.

Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA, Colm Gildernew, has said that he has been in contact with the firm and has asked the company to ensure that as many people as possible are retained in new positions.

Mr Gildernew said, “It is absolutely crucial that Viberoptix fully and constructively engages with its workforce in any potential redundancy negotiations. The rollout of Project Stratum has significantly changed the broadband connectivity for many in rural communities and the workforce of Viberoptix was central to the delivery of that.

“As that funded contract comes to an end it is important the company looks at how the workforce can be engaged in other roles within the company. The recent storms have caused significant damage to electricity and telephone/broadband lines. It is vital that the company can respond to such events without  delays for customers.”