Cheltenham, UK, May 28--Union leaders have reacted with fury to the news that nylon fibre producer Invista is cutting a quarter of its 900-strong workforce, according to the Gloucestershire Echo.
They claim there were no consultations by management at the US-owned factory in Brockworth about the 220 job losses. But bosses at the plant defended the action, saying it was essential to maintain a healthy and competitive company for the future.
Invista makes fibre for products ranging from clothes to car air bags and hot air balloons.
Shift workers were told on Wednesday that the jobs will have to go by September.
Yesterday, Trevor Hall, regional industrial organiser for the Transport and General Workers Union, (TGWU) said: "It is devastating news. It has come as a complete shock."
Mr Hall said the T &G would do all it could to help its members at Invista but warned the job losses were another nail in the coffin of British manufacturing.
Mr Hall added that there were also concerns amongst the workforce about proposed changes to work practices.
In a statement Stephen Johnston, site manager for Invista at Brockworth said: "In recent years Invista has been seeking to improve its profitability and ability to service customers, but now a step change is needed to become a healthy business and meet the needs of the European marketplace.
"We must take these difficult steps to ensure success and realise long-term viability of the site."
Invista said that by reducing costs the company would become more competitive.
Top priority would be given to "be open and respectful with employees, handling the processes efficiently and act with unwavering regard for customers.
"The plan is to complete the process by the end of September."
At the end of last year the former DuPont site was sold in a £2.59 billion deal.
It was bought by two subsidiaries of the giant US Koch Industries group.
