Govt-supported firms shed 8,000 jobs last year

Companies supported by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland shed 8,000 workers in 2002, according to figures released today by Forfas, the Government's industrial advisory body.

Forfas said a total of 31,000 jobs were lost in IDA and Enterprise Ireland-supported firms in 2002, but 23,000 workers were also hired during the year, representing a net loss of 8,000 jobs.