More than 130 jobs at two Shropshire companies are today hanging in the balance as the recession continues to squeeze the county’s economy.

One factory could even be forced to close its Telford site, with bosses blaming the economic downturn for their decision.

Nearly 100 staff at Sanita UK Ltd in Telford, which manufactures disposable paper products, have been told their jobs are at risk.

The staff have been told a 30-day consultation will start on Monday.

Meanwhile, bosses at stationery supplier Lyreco, based at Donnington Wood, Telford, said 64 redundancies could be made across the UK and Ireland.

Up to 30 workers from its Telford site could be affected if working hours stay the same – or just 12 workers if they choose to reduce their hours.

Chiefs at Sanita UK Ltd, a Lebanese-based firm based at Halesfield, today said they could not confirm how many jobs were at risk but hoped to retain a small team to continue the production line.

But the decision on whether to keep the remaining production line in Telford at the end of the consultation was under review.

John Mehtam, spokesman for the company, said the site currently employed 100 workers.

“The 30-day consultation period will start on Monday and a number of employees are at risk,” he said.

“There will be a limited production line left and there will still be a number of employees.”

He added: “Given the economic climate, the company is reviewing the operational requirements on a month-on-month basis.”

Mr Mehtam said there was no union involved but a representative would be elected to consult with management during the period.

“A limited number of operational lines will continue – whether that is from the current Telford site or from another site that is subject to review by the board,” he added.

A spokeswoman for Lyreco said the company was proposing 64 redundancies – less than three per cent of the total workforce.

“Lyreco employs 650 people at its Donnington Wood site in Telford. Potential redundancies in Telford could be 12 reductions and shorter working hours, or a total of 30 reductions if hours remain the same,” she said.

By Kirsty Smallman