Fears over textile jobs

Firm says it is reviewing operations

Speculation is mounting that there could be significant job losses at several clothing factories in the Londonderry area.

It is feared that up to several hundred jobs could be at risk.

GMB trade union official Alan Elliott said he expected bad news from the local clothing company Desmonds by Thursday.

Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Elliott said staff had contacted him with their concerns.

"Members that I represent in GMB who work in Desmonds are obviously concerned," he said.

"There have been many phone calls to myself and to my office in trying to find out what's going on and to ascertain the situation and how serious it is."

A spokesman for Desmonds said on Tuesday that employees would be the first to find out when any decisions were made.

He said: "A review of production is under way in the light of the need for us to remain competitive.

"But we have no announcement to make at present."

Desmonds employs just over 1,900 people at eight factories and two warehouses in Northern Ireland, and a further 2,750 in the Middle East and Far East.

The company closed its factory in Dungannon last September with the loss of 106 jobs.