The ongoing beef crisis in Ireland has taken a marked turn for the worse, after it emerged that 3,000 workers have been let go from their jobs in meat processing plants today.
The layoffs mean that beef processing capacity has been reduced by about 80%.
Negotiations are at an impasse at present time, so there are fears that the industry may come to a complete standstill over the coming weeks, potentially jeopardizing the crucial run-up to the Christmas period.