It’s more bad news for Irish workers this morning, as news comes that British retailers Marks and Spencer are set to close four Irish stores, resulting in a loss of 180 jobs.

Workers at M&S branches in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, Tallaght and Dún Laoghaire in Dublin and Naas, Co Kildare were informed of the news this morning, and the  affected stores did not open for trade.

The stores, all of which have been open for at least six years, will remain closed today but will reopen as normal tomorrow. The final day of trading for the four stores is set to be August 17.

Head of M&S Ireland, Jonathan Glenister, pointed to the difficult economic climate as the overriding factor in the decision, saying:

“M&S remains fully committed to its Irish business.

“However, the retail sector outlook has not improved and we have to act now to protect the long term good of the company.

“We have carried out a strategic store review and it is with regret that we are now closing four unprofitable stores.”

There is, however, some good news from M&S too, as the company has announced plans to open a new flagship store in Limerick.

The store, which is set to open by 2016, will create up to 250 jobs in the Munster city.