Hereford MP Paul Keetch is to seek an 'urgent meeting' with ministers over Xerox Europe's decision to downsize the workforce at its Mitcheldean site - which takes a number of employees from the Ross-on-Wye area.
The cuts of up to 1,000 come in addition to the 330 redundancies that the company has already announced and are due to the proposed outsourcing of electronics manufacturing.
Mr Keetch says he's 'deeply saddened' by the news and its implications for South Herefordshire's economy.
"Many of those who will lose their jobs live in and around Ross. We must seek government help to find them new jobs as soon as possible."
He's seeking an 'urgent meeting' with ministers, and urges other local MPs and MEPs affected toto 'play their part'.
Xerox, which currently employs some 1,500 people, including 520 contract staff, at its manufacturing and supply chain operation in Mitcheldean, said the move will see that number reduced to between 150 and 250 people by the end of 2002.
The company's other main business in the Forest of Dean, Xerox Business Services, is unaffected by the announcement.
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