One hundred workers in Co Tipperary are to be laid off temporarily, with company saying the war in Iraq is partly responsible.
Letters were issued to the staff of Ronan and Sons tannery operation in Clonmel today in which they were advised they were being temporarily laid off with immediate effect.
The company blamed a lack of orders and the war on Iraq for its decision. "The economic situation in the markets where we do business continues to deteriorate and the war in Iraq is having an additional negative impact," the letter said.
The company said it did not envisage the situation improving in the immediate future and could not sustain its workforce.
The workers were told the situation would be reviewed and they would be advised on May 2nd. A small group of workers will be retained in the meantime, the company said.