The proposed job losses are from clerical, managerial and engineering areas across the region.

The unions - Prospect, GMB, Unison and Unite - have advised management of their absolute opposition to compulsory redundancies. The unions are committed to achieving any reduction in numbers by voluntary means, the removal of contractors and redeployment/retraining.

The company is supportive of this aim, but whilst it has made progress in this area, it is not yet in a position to give the unions the assurances they have sought.