Marks & Spencer is facing the potential of strike action by 2,000 staff in the run-up to Christmas over its plans to close down the defined benefit pension scheme.

Marks and Spencer will open a new flagship store in Co Limerick and will overhaul its Grafton St store in Dublin following a review of its Irish operations.

Marks & Spencer is to axe 180 jobs with the closure of four stores later this month.

Retail giant Marks & Spencer will unveil its €3.7m investment programme in Dublin and Cork tomorrow.