24 Telford jobs axed at Epson

A Telford manufacturer today announced it was axing 24 jobs with the possibility of further redundancies later this year.

Workers at Epson on Hortonwood were given the news this morning and told more of the company's 750-strong workforce could lose their jobs after a 90-day consultation period.

But claims by workers that up to 75 jobs could go were denied by bosses who said it was too early to put a figure on any final numbers of staff involved.

It comes as DIY giant Wickes announced 25 jobs would be created at its new Telford store in Holyhead Road, near Oakengates, when it opens on March 5.

The 24 staff at Epson - which manufactures and distributes printer cartridges - all work on the shop floor and will be let go after a 30-day consultation period.

Joanna Singh, spokeswoman for Epson, said the company regretted having to axe the jobs.

"Epson Telford can regrettably confirm that because of a need to restructure and improve the efficiency of its business, a number of jobs are at risk of redundancy," she said.

"This is estimated to affect around 24 staff and the business is now entering a 30-day consultation period to finalise the details.

"Epson's supply chain business is also undergoing a streamlining process and will today enter into a 90-day consultation period with employee representatives.

"Epson will look at every possible way to minimise job losses and further details will be announced following the completion of the consultation period."

One shop floor worker, who did not wish to be named, said he was devastated at the announcement and claimed he had been told 75 distribution workers would be axed.

He said: "A manager pulled us into the canteen to tell us, he read out a prepared statement which told us we had 90 days before being laid off.

"It was a complete shock to all of us because it was so unexpected. I have been working here for 15 years and I'm absolutely devastated.

"It's mostly the guys on the production line like me and the people working in the warehouse. We feel cheated, absolutely cheated."

By Peter Finch