Irish workers who plan to support a national day of protest on October 4 in pursuit of improved redundancy payments were today warned they could face disciplinary action.

THE Government faces the threat of nationwide industrial disruption with up to half-a-million workers being urged to protest over employers’ failure to honour redundancy payment orders.

The closure of a bathmat company in Athy with the loss of 65 jobs has been described as a "devastating blow" by SIPTU.

65 jobs are to go in Co Kildare after the Athy-based Peerless Rugs announced it was to shut its doors after 26 years in business.