DERRY'S STRUGGLING textile sector has suffered another blow with the loss of 30 jobs at a family-owned firm.

Hunter Apparel Solutions, which is based in the Springtown Industrial Estate, blamed overseas competition for the decision to cut jobs at its Graham Hunter division. It is one of the city's last remaining textile manufacturers.

At one stage, nearly 18,000 people were employed in the shirt-making industry in Derry but only a few companies remain.

Hunter Apparel Solutions, which was formed in 1936, had employed more than 95 staff.

Simon Hunter, the company's sales director, said the Derry factory could not compete with overseas competition on manufacturing costs. He ruled out a complete closure of the factory.

He said the company was investing in a "flexible training programme" to help sustain jobs.

The company specialises in producing uniform and corporate clothing. It has supplied shirts, blouses and polo shirts to British Airways and London's Metropolitan Police and three years ago won a contract with the Garda.