Paypal has been accused of "absolutely contemptuous" treatment of its workers by a Labour TD, after the company told them in an email that it would not be offering voluntary redundancy because it can be "difficult for employees".

On Tuesday, PayPal announced that it would be cutting 307 jobs from its offices in Dublin and Dundalk. The company said the decision was not in response to economic conditions, but was necessary to shape the future of the online payment business.

In a 'frequently asked questions' (FAQ) email, PayPal said voluntary redundancies were not an option for these 307 people. The company said: 'Voluntary redundancy can be difficult for employees as it increases the uncertainty and duration of the process.

'Therefore, we have decided not to offer it on this occasion.'

Labour TD Ged Nash said this email to staff was 'outrageous'.

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'In the normal conduct of industrial relations, especially in a large and very profitable multinational firm like that, the practice is always that a voluntary package is proposed first,' he said.

'But it seems that the company is hellbent on introducing a compulsory redundancy package which in my view is contemptuous of staff and is only paying lip service to the legal statutory 28- day consultation process. This was a business-related decision to cut costs as they see it and reward shareholders.'

In a statement, PayPal said it is 'committed' to ensuring that any of its employees leaving under the proposed changes 'are treated fairly and generously'.

'We are offering enhanced redundancy and support packages to help them as they move to the next step in their careers. PayPal will ensure that any colleagues who leave are respected for their contributions and treated fairly in accordance with our company values,' it added.