SIPTU has expressed "grave concern" at the plans of Bell Lines' examiner to make the majority of the 40 employees in the company's head office in Dublin redundant. Around one third of the 600 workforce is expected to be made redundant as part of a restructuring plan. Around 70 of these will arise in Ireland.

SIPTU said while it was anticipated that jobs would be lost in all company locations in Ireland, Britain and the Continent, "it was hoped there would be an even distribution of the pain. However, it is now evident that Dublin is to carry a hugely disproportionate share of the burden and this has caused serious resentment among stall".

The union is to meet the examiner, Mr David Hughes of Ernst & Young, today. That will be followed by a further special meeting of members to decide if the union will oppose the redundancies or seek special compensation for the transfer of work to other locations.