Clothing firm's staff await possible cutbacks

Employees at a leading clothing manufacturer in Northern Ireland are expected to learn the fate of their jobs by the end of this week.

Fears have risen among staff at Desmonds that significant cutbacks are imminent after it emerged management were carrying out a review of operations.

The company, which makes clothing for Marks & Spencer, employs almost 2,000 people at its factories.

There are two plants in Derry, one each in Dungiven, Swatragh, Irvinestown, Omagh, and a warehouse and headquarters in Drumahoe.

The company closed its factory in Dungannon last September with the loss of 106 jobs.

A spokesman for Desmonds said today employees would be the first to find out when any decisions are made.

He said: “A review of production is underway in the light of the need for us to remain competitive. But we have no announcement to make at present.”

Alan Elliott, an official at the GMB trade union, said staff had contacted him with their concerns.

“Members that I represent in GMB who work in Desmonds are obviously concerned,” he said.

“There have been many phone calls to myself and to my office in trying to find out what’s going on and to ascertain the situation and how serious it is.”

An announcement from management is expected by the end of the week.