Mixed news on employment front

It has been a mixed day on the jobs front with 3 Ireland and Cavan-based Crompton Greaves both making job announcements while Musgraves said it intends to axe 80 positions.

Mobile network operator 3 Ireland is to create 90 new jobs as part of a major expansion programme, the firm announced today.

The company, which currently has 22 stores and operates via a further 200 independent retailers, is to invest nearly €5 million in 28 stores, the majority of which will be independently-owned stores operating under the 3 brand.

The majority of the independently-owned stores will be opened with existing retail partners, the mobile operator said.

Welcoming today's announcement, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan TD said the new investment was welcome news for consumers.

Speaking at the announcement, 3 Ireland chief executive Robert Finnegan said the expansion follows

another successful year. "In 2009, we saw 40 per cent growth in our customer base and our expansion plans reflect our ambition to further strengthen our position in the Irish market over the next few years,” he said.

The company, which began operations in Ireland in 2005, currently employs over 300 people across the country and has invested over €600 million in rolling out its high speed and high capacity network in Ireland to date.

In December 2008, 3 was awarded the Government contract to roll-out broadband services to rural Ireland under the National Broadband Scheme.

Elsewhere, green energy firm Crompton Greaves (formerly Pauwels Trafo) in Cavan Town today confirmed plans to create 21 new positions.

Recruitment is to begin shortly for the positions and once completed, there will be 430 people employed at the facility.

Separately, cash & carry company Musgraves Wholesale Partners said it is to cut 80 jobs at depots across the island of Ireland.

A total of 55 jobs are to be lost in the south with 15 being axed in Cork, 14 in Killarney, Co Kerry and the others from depots in Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Donegal. A further 25 jobs will go at Musgrave's Belfast depot.

The company, which is a division of the Musgrave Group, employs 1144 people across 13 depots in the Republic and Northern Ireland.

Musgrave Wholesale Partners managing director Martin Kelleher said a period of consultation with unions and affected employees will begin shortly.

“The restructuring of the business reflects the fundamental changes in the market which has seen the hospitality sector fall by 15 per cent to 20 per cent and the retail market by 7 per cent in 2009," he said.

"We have made every effort to minimise job losses and will be working closely with union representatives and staff through the consultation process. Reshaping our business will bring lower prices for consumers and an enhanced service for our customers across the island of Ireland which will position the business for long term future growth," added Mr Kelleher.

One of Ireland's oldest jewellery stores also announced today that it would close.

West of Grafton Street is due to fold after 290 years in business with the loss of three jobs.