2,000 Dairygold jobs at risk: reports

It is reported that 2,000 jobs are at risk in Dairygold.

It is understood the Tánaiste Mary Harney has been informed of plans to slash the workforce at the company by two thirds as part of a rationalisation programme.

Dairygold is set to review its four dairy divisions, sell off its beef division and privatise pig operations.

The future of CMP Dairies in Cork will also be assessed.

Profits at Dairygold dropped from over €25m to €4m last year. The company blamed the losses on an increase in the price it pays farmers for milk, but the ICMSA has rejected this claim, saying the prices paid to farmers are continually falling and are now the lowest in Europe.

Dairgold has reportedly told unions representing its workforce that it hoped the job cuts could be achieved through early retirement, voluntary redundancy and outsourcing.