Jobs axed at Welwyn Garden City firm

MORE than 20 jobs are to be lost tomorrow (Friday) from a company with more than 35 years history in the borough. Bosses at Ratcliff Palfinger, who employ around 150 staff at their WGC base in Bessemer Road, confirmed roles had to go. One worker at the

MORE than 20 jobs are to be lost tomorrow (Friday) from a company with more than 35 years history in the borough.

Bosses at Ratcliff Palfinger, who employ around 150 staff at their WGC base in Bessemer Road, confirmed roles had to go.

One worker at the tail lift firm told the WHT: "There are a lot of unhappy people.

"They were looking at getting rid of 35 to 40 people but ask staff to come up with ways of saving money."

The worker from WGC, who has a family to support, said: "People were called in and told it's more likely to be between 23 and 25 people going.

"It's going to be hard.

"I've been going around the job centre and there's nothing.

"Or if there is, it's for a lot less money."

Managing director Paul Addis said: "Due to the unprecedented downturn in the economy which has badly affected the motor manufacturing industry worldwide and the consequent decline for our products, we have been forced to make a number of employees redundant.

"All efforts to avoid redundancy were made and, following consultation with our employees, significant savings were volunteered, permitting us to reduce the number of redundancies by approximately 10.

"The company very much appreciates the support of the workforce and very much regrets, despite their generous contribution, redundancies could not be avoided.