Renewed threat to Tyrone Crystal factory jobs

There is a renewed threat to jobs at the factory

More details about the future of the the Tyrone Crystal factory in Dungannon, County Tyrone, are expected to be released later.

Workers have expressed fears for the future of the plant after a series of meetings were held there on Wednesday.

Tyrone Crystal has been experiencing a downturn in demand for its products for some time.

One course of action being discussed is that a new buyer is being sought for the business.

About 40 people are currently employed at Tyrone Crystal, and the company has been in existence for almost 40 years.

As well as employing highly skilled and specialist workers, it has also played an important role in attracting tourists into the Dungannon area.

Changing tastes combined with the effects of the recession have been blamed for falling sales of its cut crystal products.

Martin Mohan has worked for the company for 35 years and said it was the first time he had ever thought about the possibility of redundancy.

"It is just one of those things that has to sink in," he added.

"I think it has come to a head now were people have just said 'Ok, well I think our final day is here'."