LADIESWEAR firm Slimma has reported a sharp decline in its half-yearly pre-tax profits, which fell to £2,000 from £44,000 last year.

The company, which announced up to 18 job losses in April following a decision to close its mail order and high street division, has blamed the slump on economic downturn.

Slimma currently employs 50 people at its Leek headquarters and 13 at a warehouse in Etruria, but decided to make job cuts to remain competitive.

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