Northern Ireland construction jobs threatened

Hundreds of thousands of construction workers in Northern Ireland could lose their jobs if a downturn in the industry continues.

Construction Employers Federation managing director John Armstrong said members had already let some employees go and warned redundancies would continue.

He told BBC News that proposals to give 20% of developments over to social housing threatened the industry as well as falling property prices.

He said: “If this is going to be introduced, there needs to be adequate time allowed for adjustment to such major change.”

Around 84,000 people work in the construction industry in Northern Ireland and it is estimated to generate £3.5bn each year.