redundancies forced on his business in recent months.

Mr. Roger Davidson of H.A. & E. Smith stressed there had been less than 10 redundancies and that the company had protected their jobs for some time.

"We have had some redundancies recently, less than 10. And they have been over a period of time. It is really nothing more than a recognition that the retail industry has been badly hit by the recession and the downturn in tourist spending.

"We have been carrying our staff for years when other stores have been laying people off.

"Smith's along with other retailers have now reached the point where the resources are not there.

"We must continue to take a look at the situation in order to preserve the long term viability of the store.''