More than 500 jobs to be lost in Waterford and Kildare

More than 500 workers look set to lose their jobs in Waterford and Kildare due to the ongoing economic downturn.

Waterford Wedgwood is reportedly seeking 280 redundancies at its plant in Kilbarry in a move that would reduce the workforce to just 220.

Wyeth Medica, meanwhile, is planning 250 job cuts at its plant in Newbridge.

SIPTU is due to meet management at the factory today to discuss the situation and is warning that any move to impose compulsory redundancies will be strenuously resisted.

The company says it needs to reduce costs, but SIPTU says it believes employment levels can be maintained.