More than half of a County Down glass firm's staff have been laid off, resulting in around 60 redundancies.

Toughglass, based in Kilkeel, said the majority of the workforce would be let go, due to a fall in profits.

The firm specialises in reinforced glass, used in transportation and construction. But of late, sales were no longer strong enough to go forward without making staffing cuts.

-- Advertisement --

A local politician has said the news will come as a major blow for the area.

South Down MLA Jim Wells told the BBC: "There is a question mark about the full-time employment of the other staff as well."

"Some of them may be put onto part-time work, so it is a very worrying time for the town," added the DUP Assembly member.

(PR/JM)