147 plant jobs lost with another 119 in jeopardy

THE loss of 147 industrial jobs, in Co Kerry, with a further 119 jobs also in serious danger, was described as a major blow to the area, last night.

The American-owned Sport Socks Company (Ireland) Ltd, announced 147 jobs are to go from the end of next month at its Caherciveen plant and the remaining employees 21 in Caherciveen and 98 in its Tralee operation are being put on immediate protective notice.

However, the announcement did not come as a total surprise to workers, who said the company has been experiencing problems with its markets for some time.