1,000 jobs go as firms move to low-cost countries

ALMOST 1,000 job losses were announced yesterday in Dublin and Kildare, with two major hi-tech firms moving operations to the Far East and eastern Europe.

US multinational firm 3Com has confirmed that 640 manufacturing jobs at its factory in west Dublin will go, while German firm Schneider Electric is cutting 265 of its permanent staff.

3Com said in a statement yesterday that it plans to outsource all its manufacturing to reduce costs. The factory in Blanchardstown is the last manufacturing site owned by 3Com, which has suffered badly since the downturn in the technology industry began. The jobs will move to lower-cost factories in Taiwan and Singapore, and 3Com said it expects the closure to be completed by the end of February. Only a small research and development unit employing about 50 people will remain.