Closures to result in 150 job losses

MORE than 150 people discovered yesterday that they are to lose their jobs as companies in Clare and Kildare announced closures.

In Ennis, electrical contracting company RSEL announced it will go into liquidation with the loss of 83 full-time staff and 16 FÁS apprentices.

On Tuesday the company had asked the High Court to appoint a liquidator so that it could begin winding down operations.

The liquidator has now been appointed and last night a company spokesman expressed confidence that many workers will find alternative employment in the near future.

RSEL will retain 35 staff, mostly electricians, on a short-term basis to fulfil existing contracts.

The company was established in 1991 and received an award for quality management 12 months ago.

Minister for Labour Affairs, Clare TD Tony Killeen said last night that State agencies will be able to assist staff seeking new jobs.

“In the short term, the State agencies, especially FÁS in this case, will be of assistance to those seeking new employment opportunities,” he said.

“Fortunately, most of the staff are highly skilled electricians and will be in demand very quickly.”

Earlier in the day Kildare sweet manufacturer Zed Candy told staff that it will close its doors in the next 12 months and move its operations to China.

The company, based in Kilcock, employs 75 and told its staff the news at lunchtime yesterday.

Managing director Brendan Roantree said the company sincerely regretted the decision but it had no option as the cost of manufacturing in Ireland was much higher than in China.

“In recent years Zed Candy has struggled to maintain profitability in a very competitive international business environment and rising manufacturing costs in particular have contributed to the decision to transfer production to China,” Mr Roantree said.