Waterford Crystal to introduce short-time working

EMPLOYEES at the troubled Waterford Crystal plant in Kilbarry have been told that the company intends to introduce short-time working in the coming weeks.

At two shop-floor meetings yesterday, hundreds of employees learned that three weeks’ short-time working, or reduced work hours, will come into effect this summer.

Waterford Wedgwood, which could not raise funds from its banks due to the covenants on existing loans, has said that getting a €39 million government loan would be a “vital element” in keeping the company in Ireland.