Up to 300 employees at a leading clothing manufacturer in Northern Ireland are expected to be told today that their jobs are to go.
Fears have risen among staff at Desmonds that significant cutbacks are imminent after it emerged management were reviewing operations.
The results of that review are expected to be announced today, with the job losses likely to be at two factories in the north west.
Desmonds employs almost 2,000 people at its factories in Derry, Dungiven and Omagh. The company closed its factory in Dungannon last September with the loss of 106 jobs.
The company, which works exclusively for Marks and Spencer, is expected to move more of its manufacturing operation overseas where it already makes around 60 per cent of its output.
It is understood fierce competition in the clothing sector is responsible for the decision.
PA