Irish DHL Express staff face redundancy

Up to 320 DHL Express staff based in Ireland could be made redundant by August as the company adjusts its focus to international operations and looks to close seven depots.

The courier arm of the group says it is lowering its domestic services and focusing on international express delivery.

Depots in Athlone, Cavan, Enniscorthy, Galway, Sligo, Tralee and Waterford will close on the back of difficult trading conditions.

Irish workers union SIPTU is meeting with managers to try to rescue some jobs, and says it will be seeking the best possible redundancy terms for workers who do lose their jobs.

DHL was unable to offer a breakdown on what percentage of the losses would be drivers jobs or warehousing jobs.