More than 250 workers are employed at Dartington Crystal

Dartington Crystal, based in Torrington, said it was an emergency measure to avoid redundancies and even closure.

More than 250 workers at the company were told of the short-time working on Tuesday.

They have been informed that the action has been taken because of poor sales.

A company spokesman said a rescue package to re-finance the company was under way in the hope of avoiding redundancies or even a shut-down.

Sales drop

He said the three-day week was a short-term answer while the package was put together.

Moves to save the company will involve Dartington Crystal selling some of the land it owns around Torrington.

The drop in sales is part of a Europe-wide problem in the demand for gifts and tableware.

But executives hope the tourist season, along with new marketing plans, will help to boost income.

Difficult options

Dartington Crystal human resources manager Sheridan Warley said a three-day week was the best of some difficult options.

"We have been suffering a sales decline, which isn't unique to Dartington but is across the gift and tableware market.

"A decision has been made that, in order to arrest any financial difficulties we may face going forward if this sales decline doesn't stop, it necessitates going onto a three-day working week."