Doubts over Waterford prospects

THE decision by Waterford Crystal to axe a further 100 jobs from the troubled group raises further doubts about short-term prospects for the business.

Waterford also wants to opt out of the recently agreed national pay deal in an effort to counter the impact of a sharp dip in sales, triggered by the continuing slow down in the US where it has major exposure.

Another key target market, Japan, has been in continuous difficulties over the past 10 years and projected substantial gains there have not materialised as expected.