Compulsory job losses likely (From Witney Gazette)

Compulsory job losses likely

3:09pm Friday 3rd March 2006 in Witney

HIGH-TECH firm Oxford Instruments, which is to close its Eynsham plant, has admitted the closure process is likely to involve some compulsory job losses.

The company employs about 115 people at the factory, and is looking for 50 redundancies.

Spokesman, Lynn Shepherd, said: "We are looking for voluntary redundancies during the consultative period, but have warned employees that jobs are at risk, and that compulsory redundancies are likely."

She added: "Many employees are being offered alternative employment at Tubney Woods, High Wycombe, or Bristol. The process should be complete by the end of March."

She said the low-field magnets business had been making a loss for some years, and the company reorganisation was a response to the changing market. The firm is consolidating all its UK magnet and cryogenic expertise at it Tubney Woods site.

Ms Shepherd added: "It should be remembered that none of these plans are finally confirmed until the staff forum approves them at the end of the consultative period in mid-March."