Struggling Waterford Crystal lays off staff

STAFF at Waterford Crystal are facing lay-offs and short-time work as the flagship company struggles with falling international sales.

The company, which employs 1,500 people at its plants in Waterford and Dungarvan, said short-time working for the next seven months is needed to safeguard its long-term viability.

The move has been on the cards for several weeks a number of temporary contract workers were laid off in the last two weeks and more will go next Friday.