WORKERS who devoted years to a local company said they were "dismayed" and "disheartened" at being told there would be mass redundancies.

Around 160 jobs, more than half of the workforce, look set to be axed at Monmouthshire car parts manufacturer Northern Automotive Services in Gilwern.

Three months ago the firm announced 99 redundancies at the site. They are now in a 90-day period of consultation with staff.

One worker, who has been with the company for six years said, "They shut it down temporarily for four weeks. There's skeleton crews working terrible 40 hour shifts. There's only 140 of us left.

"They are only picking certain workers to stay on and be paid to work all the shifts - it's not fair on others who won't get the chance, It's discrimination really.

"This job is my only source of income. It's ridiculous, we're employed by them but not paid by them."

The company, which supplies aluminium products to the car industry, sent workers a letter informing them of a "temporary stop" situation.

The letter stated, "Temporary stop constitutes that the employee has been laid off from the workplace for four weeks with ceased remuneration other than the statutory guaranteed payment.

"The stop commenced on Sunday, February 8 and is anticipated to last for a four week period - ending on Friday, March 6 inclusive. The temporary stop will then be reviewed during the fourth week when the company will write to all those affected advising the requirements for the forthcoming week.

"To date our employee has received one guaranteed payment of £20.40 up to and including January 23. During the four week temporary stop period our employee will receive four more guaranteed payments, up to the maximum of five.

"Employees, where applicable, may be entitles to holiday or longevity payments, Should you require any further information from the company regarding this, please contact us."

Northern Automotive Services, a subsidiary of the American-based company Northern Engraving Corporation, designs and manufactures aluminium interiors for car makers such as Jaguar. The factory has been trading in the area for around 20 years and employs a lot of local people.

Another worker who wished not to be named said, "Where is our AM and MP? We need help. It's disgusting the the managers seem to be ok but they have got rid of the workers, we're taking the hit."

No-one from the company was available for comment.