DIAMOND GEEZERS.. Bosses strike deal in bid to save 370 from axe at manufacturing plant.

Byline: AINE HEGARTY

AROUND 370 jobs axed at a diamond firm last week could be saved after management struck a deal with bosses yesterday.

Staff, desperate to hold on to their jobs, pitched a rescue plan to top brass at Element Six which would keep manufacturing at the Shannon plant.

The company yesterday told all staff of the plan and has requested the full co-operation of all employees to make it work.

General manager Ken Sullivan said he was convinced the company had a future in Shannon and many of the 370 jobs could be saved.

He added: "We need to think in new ways to create a truly cost-competitive and long-term sustainable operation in Shannon.

"The Group management now expects a comprehensive plan from us for their consideration next week.

"If this secures their support, we expect to be in a position to meet with employee representatives very shortly thereafter."

Last week Element Six announced it was ceasing all manufacturing at its Co Clare site saying Ireland had become its most expensive base.

Local politicians yesterday welcomed the news that staff have come up with a rescue plan to keep their jobs. Fine Gael Clare TD Pat Breen commended the Element Six management on its initiative, describing the new plan as "a rare chink of light".

Mr Breen said: "This move could avoid the closure of Element Six and secure the long-term future for its workforce at the facility, which has operated in Shannon since the 1960s. Element Six's staff have been very loyal to the company and adapted to a wide range of challenges.

"The staff are highly skilled and will play a crucial role in the company's future."

News that many of the jobs may be saved came as a report warned unemployment could hit 20% in the region if urgent action isn't taken. That warning came from a Government taskforce set up to tackle joblessness in the area after Dell axed 1,900 jobs in Limerick.

The group is recommending significant funds be allocated to community enterprise schemes which could provide work.

It is also suggesting Limerick's regeneration plans be accelerated and that a new body be set up to govern the greater Limerick area.

CAPTION(S):

UNDER THREAT PTU's Mary O'Donnell with Element Six workers