ABOUT 80 jobs could be lost at one of Hereford’s biggest employers.

Special Metals Wiggin says it has been doing everything possible to win a bigger share of available business but order levels have fallen.

Bosses say they don’t believe trading conditions will improve “for some considerable time”.

“Following discussions with many of our major customers, we do not believe that there will be any significant improvement in market conditions for some considerable time and we must react to this situation whilst we have scope to do so,” said personnel manager Robert Hunt. “To this end we have started consultations with union representatives on site concerning an anticipated reduction in the hourly paid workforce of approximately 80 jobs.”

The firm employs around 700 workers in Hereford.

GMB union representive Wayne Powell said the news reflects the current state of the engineering industry.

“Special Metals is feeling the effect of this and it’s unfortunate they are not getting the orders,” he said. “It’s always sad to see anyone lose their job and this news reflects the mess we’re in.”

Hereford MP Paul Keetch says he wants to provide as much help as possible in finding new jobs for his constituents should the cuts go ahead.

“Wiggins is where my father worked for some 25 years,”

said Mr Keetch. “It’s a major employer and the problems being faced are yet another blow to our local economy at this very difficult time.

“If I can help the company and my constituents, I am keen to do so.”

The news marks a grim couple of weeks for employees.

On May 8, two workers were injured at the Hereford site following an accident involving a metal casting machine.

■ Meanwhile, a leading cidermaker with a base in Hereford has said “changes are inevitable” because of current market conditions.

Bulmers’ communications manager Harry Turner said long-term cost saving measures may mean job losses across the company, but said there were no such specific plans for the Plough Lane site, where 250 are employed.

“We want a business which is strong and fit for purpose.

Part of this will require us to look at the effectiveness of the organisation,” he said.