A large number of the workforce at Special Metals in Hereford have discovered today that their jobs may be at risk as the company blames the ‘current economic climate’ for its decision to explore the possibility of making up to 150 of its workers redundant.

A letter to employees says that current low sales and profit means that the company needs to restructure and resize the to match the current level of sales.

Consultation with recognised trade unions is expected to begin immediately and staff affected will be consulted after the period of collective consultation.

In the meantime, the company is willing to consider volunteers for redundancy.