One of Ireland’s oldest jewellery stores is expected to close its doors for the final time this weekend.
West of Grafton Street in Dublin is due to fold after 290 years in business with the loss of three jobs.
The upmarket jewellers has been holding a closing down sale for the last two months.
However, Mandate trade union said management finally broke the devastating news to media before workers.
Industrial relations officer David Moran said: "We are all very frustrated and disappointed with the way in which the workers have been informed of their job losses.
"The three workers due to be made redundant have 93 years service between them and have given very loyal service to the company during good times and bad.
"It is extremely disheartening to think that an employer could treat their hard working and decent employees, who it must be added have helped to build the business up, in the way that West's management has done to these workers."
The prominent jewellers first opened as West Sons on Dublin's Capel Street in 1720 and has claimed to be one of the oldest in Europe.
The firm moved to College Green in 1845 and then up to 102 Grafton Street, where River Island now trades.
It relocated one final time its current premises at 33 Grafton Street in 1965 but faced though competition in recent years as several high-profile jewellers moved in to the area and shoppers tightened their belts in the recession.
It is understood the remaining workers will be offered statutory redundancy.
PA