Jobs axed at Doncasters Aerospace Components, Shrewsbury

Almost 20 jobs have been axed at a Shropshire aeronautical factory, it was announced today.

The news came at the end of a consultation period following crunch talks to try and save the posts at Doncasters Aerospace Components in Shrewsbury.

Staff at the Whitchurch Road site had been told bosses were considering the loss of up to 30 jobs last month but the firm today announced 18 compulsory redundancies.

Negotiations have been ongoing between management and representatives of workers' union Unite throughout the 30-day consultation period which came to an end this week.

Mr John Patterson, general manager at Doncasters Aerospace Components, said: "The global economic downturn has led to delays and cancellations to a number of key customer programmes.

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

"We held a productive series of talks with representatives of the Unite union throughout the consultation period but unfortunately no alternative solution could be found."

Mick Tuff, regional officer for Unite, said despite a proactive consultation the redundancies had to take effect.