The Maydown Precision Engineering (MPE) company in Derry is to lay off 100 of its 250-strong workforce over the next six weeks. The lay-offs are being blamed on the uncompetitive strength of sterling.

Maydown is one of Derry's few remaining skilled engineering companies. Yesterday's announcement follows last month's closure of the United Technologies plant in the Creggan area of the city with a loss of 600 jobs.