OVER 1,800 jobs have been lost in Northern Ireland because of the BSE beef controversy. Should the crisis fail to be solved, several thousand more will be on the line.

Most of the jobs lost to date have been at abattoirs where cattle are no longer being sent for slaughter. In recent days, 320 jobs were lost in Newry, while in Lurgan 150 workers were put on a one day week.

Several firms have been warning that they may soon have to make workers redundant or place them on short time. At McQuillian Meats, in Antrim, 90 workers were given an extra week's Easter holidays, with the company watching developments to determine whether more drastic action will be necessary.

Mr Cecil Mathers, of the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association, warned this week that thousands of jobs could be lost in the beef processing industry and in support industries, such as transport, marketing, packaging, farm machinery sales and butchering.

A South Armagh haulier, Mr Sean Hearty, said his business was in jeopardy. If the crisis continued, he might have to let all his nine drivers go.

The Industrial Development Board in the North said it was monitoring the situation.