WORKERS at chemical company Crosfield's face a New Year of worry and speculation after it was announced that 120 jobs are to be shed from the Warrington site.
Bosses at the Liverpool Road company are confident that the losses can be achieved mainly through voluntary redundancies over the coming year - but they have admitted there will probably be some enforced cuts from the 700-strong workforce at some point.
At a meeting on Monday morning, workers were told that Crosfield's owners, ICI, had assured the future of the site with a statement that they are to retain control of the multi-national chlorine treatment company, ending months of speculation.
But ICI is currently undergoing restructuring itself and shedding more than 500 jobs. The news that Crosfield's future was safe came with the thunderbolt that it would mean severe job cuts.
Works manager Dr John Davies said: "ICI have decided to retain ownership of Crosfield's and support us in our plans for growth and profitability. But as part of this a restructuring programme will have to start.
"The restructuring of Crosfield's as a group will mean about 200 job losses, of which about 120 will be at Warrington. The remaining 80 will be at sites across the world. It is essential to re-establish us and get our profit base in sounder shape.
"I am hoping this puts us in a stronger position for the future, and will take down some costs and re-focus on growth. It is difficult and somewhat painful in the short term but will put us in a better position in the long term."
Branch Secretary for the GMB Union in the Warrington District Les Morgan said: "It's an announcement that we have been expecting for a while but didn't know the magnitude it would be.
"When Crosfield's was sold to ICI it was put up for sale again virtually straight away. A possible sale last year to HR Grace fell through and since then we have anticipated an announcement along these lines."
Mr Morgan said on Monday that he had not yet been able to talk to workers at the plant but added: "This situation is a major concern and I want to starts talks with the company as soon as possible."
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