Calls for emergency action after Tyco losses

THERE were calls last night for an emergency package to stimulate employment in Cork after the city’s second devastating jobs blow in a week.

Security device manufacturer Tyco blamed rising operating costs for its decision to close its Bishopstown plant over the next 12 months with the loss of 320 jobs. It followed news from ready-meals manufacturing firm Swissco earlier this week that 150 jobs are at risk.

Business leaders and opposition politicians demanded immediate action from the Government as the city’s unemployment figure reached almost twice the national average.