Element Six Accepts Labour Court Proposals

Industrial diamond manufacturer Element Six has announced it will accept Labour Court proposals recommending a higher redundancy deal for it's laid off employees.

Staff members now have to decide whether to also accept the improved deal recommended by the Court.

The new offer includes four weeks' pay per year of service, capped at 78 weeks compared to the original offer of 2.5 weeks' pay per year of service, capped at 52 weeks.

In August, the firm announced "restructuring plans" that involved the closure of its Shannon factory with the loss of 370 jobs. However, the cut backs were later reduced as a survival plan emerged that would save 160 positions.

The workers, however, refused to accept the plan until improved redundancy terms were offered to the 210 employees who would still be losing their jobs.

The company's General Manager, Ken Sullivan, said today that the company would accept the Labour Court recommendation in full.

The company is writing to all employees today to inform them of the developments and Mr Sullivan has encouraged all staff and their unions to accept the new offer.

(DW/BMcC)