Up to 30 jobs could be axed at a Shropshire aeronautical factory, it has been revealed.

Staff at Doncasters Aerospace Components in Shrewsbury were told on Monday that bosses were “considering the loss of up to 30 jobs” at the Whitchurch Road site.

Negotiations have since been taking place between management and representatives of workers’ union Unite. A 30-day consultation period is under way.

Mr John Patterson, the company’s general manager said: “Trading conditions in the global aerospace and industrial gas turbine markets continue to be challenging, which has led to delays and cancellations to a number of expected customer programmes.

“Unfortunately, these changes mean it is not possible to maintain our current employment levels while safeguarding the future of the business.

He added: “Where possible, we will look to make reductions through voluntary redundancies.

“This is understandably a difficult time for everyone concerned and we will be doing all we can to support our employees during the process.”

The company employs more than 400 people in Shrewsbury and about 5,400 worldwide in plants in the UK, continental Europe, the USA, China and Mexico.