Cleveland Bridge in talks over 240 redundancies

Cleveland Bridge is holding talks over the potential redundancy of up to 240 jobs at its Darlington office - 25% of its workforce.

The proposed redundancies will address 75 staff and 165 manual jobs and will be undertaken progressively between the beginning of June and the end of October 2004.

The company continues to work to complete the steelwork for the new Wembley Stadium in London having recently successfully finished a number of significant landmark structures such as Carquinez Bridge in California.

Brian Rogan deputy managing director of Cleveland Bridge UK said:  "Naturally we are very disappointed that we find ourselves in this situation. Despite our recent success, the market has changed. The big projects are coming to a close and there are few such projects available in the short term.

"We will work with the staff consultative committee, the trade unions and leading community representatives to achieve our commercial needs in as sensitive and as speedy manner as possible so that all parties can prepare for their future."