Denim firms to discharge 250

Denim Services Ltd and its subsidiary Denim Sportswear Ltd, which together employ 1,200 workers, will be declaring 250 employees redundant.

A spokesman for the two companies said this was the inevitable result of a sudden cancellation of orders linked to reduced consumer spending in Europe.

The spokesman added that they have held discussions with the General Workers' Union to mitigate the consequences of the decision and to safeguard the future of the remaining employees.

In a statement, the GWU said it was informed about the discharges by the companies.

The union said the situation was such that the workers who were being retained were being sent on four months leave. Talks were being held, aimed at avoiding more discharges.

The union is also looking for alternative employment for the discharged workers.

Bulebel-based Denim Services employs around 760 workers and Denim Sportswear, whose production plant is in Marsa, employs 450.