Tara Mines workers fear more lay-offs

Management at Tara Mines in Co Meath is due to reveal its plans for the future this afternoon amid fears that the company may begin a new round of lay-offs.

Production at the mines was halted last year and 600 workers were let go as the company faced mounting losses due to poor zinc prices.

540 staff have returned to work at Tara in anticipation of a production resumption next month, but an expected improvement in zinc prices has failed to materialise.

There are now fears that the company will postpone the resumption and begin laying off the workers.

Management has arranged a meeting with unions today to clarify the situation.