The Northern Ireland textile industry was facing another blow today after it was revealed that 80 jobs are under threat at a shirt factory in Co Armagh.

Portadown-based Shirtmakers Guild, which manufactures shirts for the upmarket retailer, Thomas Pink, said the jobs were under threat after its main customer withdrew its order.

It is understood Thomas Pink has decided to buy more of its shirts overseas.

The blow comes as trade union representatives held urgent talks to discuss the threat to more than 400 jobs at two Co Down textiles plants of carpet manufacturer, Carpets International.

Trade union representatives are to meet the company''s receivers, PricewaterhouseCoopers, on Friday.

Meanwhile, NIO Minister John Spellar has expressed regret over the latest difficulties being experienced by companies in the textiles and clothing industry but warned of further difficulties ahead.

Mr Spellar claimed the textiles and clothing industry would continue to experience problems because of intense global competition in the market and from producers in lower-cost emerging economies.