Workers at the Procter and Gamble plant in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, are understood to be concerned about the company's decision to carry out a feasibility study of its skincare and cosmetic operations in Europe.

The company - Nenagh's largest employer with 430 on the payroll - disclosed that the study would be completed by June and stressed that no decision had been made on the future of its Irish operation.

The firm contributes about £5 million to the local economy in wages. A spokesperson said people should not read into this that a closure was imminent.

Workers claim they were told by local management that rationalisation of the company's European skincare and cosmetic sector could have implications for the plants in Nenagh and at Wakefield in England.

Meanwhile, Avonmore Waterford is to shed 60 jobs in a rationalisation programme in various locations, including Roscrea, Co Tipperary, and Blessington, Co Wicklow.