Job Cuts At Waterford Wedgwood

Waterford Wedgwood is to cut 94 of its 200 contract staff and lay off its entire workforce for a week in June, according to reports. The job cuts are part of a widespread rationalisation programme and are subject to agreement between unions and management. First quarter demand in the US for Waterford Glass products has not met the company's expectations, leading to a fall in revenue. The American economy, the Iraq conflict and "difficult global economic circumstances, particularly in Germany" are also blamed.