Darlington Fabrics to lay off 31

Darlington Fabrics in Westerly is laying off 31 workers on its weekend shift, citing a deteriorating economy and overseas competition.

Company owner Peter Moore says the weekend shift was added a decade ago but will now be eliminated. Moore says the layoffs are necessary to deal with an economic downturn.

After cutting the weekend shift, Darlington Fabrics will employ 238 workers. It makes knitted elastic fabrics used in swimsuits, intimate apparel and athletic wear.

Several textile companies in southern Rhode Island have recently announced job losses.

Bradford Dyeing Association has said it will lay off 44 people in April. BlueSky Brands Inc. is moving its operations to West Virginia, idling 119 workers. (AP)