FORTY jobs are to go at one of the largest employers in St Neots. Employees at Sealed Air Ltd Cryovac food packaging systems based in Cromwell Road were told about the redundancies last week. Andrei Stoddard, plant manager at Sealed Air Ltd, said: Last

FORTY jobs are to go at one of the largest employers in St Neots.

Employees at Sealed Air Ltd Cryovac food packaging systems based in Cromwell Road were told about the redundancies last week.

Andrei Stoddard, plant manager at Sealed Air Ltd, said: "Last week Sealed Air announced operational changes in the coming months that will result in the reduction of approximately 40 jobs at the company's St Neots facility. The changes will occur gradually throughout 2008 and impacts both manufacturing and office staff."

He added: "The company considers a number of criteria including operating costs, strategic location, proximity to other facilities and levels of technology, in making these kinds of decisions. This decision was not taken lightly.

"We value all our employees and will make every effort to ensure that our affected employees are treated fairly and with respect during this process."

One employee who is set to lose his job told The Hunts Post: "I am really anger and upset because I have a mortgage to pay and a family to look after - I can't afford to be out of work.

"I do not think I will have a problem finding another job but it's the principle of it. I have worked here a long time and am upset at how the company has treated us. I'm not the only one. Morale is low and a lot of people are thoroughly annoyed."

The man, who wished to remain anonymously, said he had been working at Sealed Air for about 10 years and added: "We all knew in our heart of hearts that this was coming."

About 400 people work at the firm's St Neots office.

St Neots town councillor, Cllr Barry Chapman, said: "If these job losses are real then it is a sad day for St Neots. My hope is that any job losses are as a result of restructuring and that there will be no further losses."

He added: "The company has been one of the most stable and respected employers in St Neots for decades and I hope to see that continue."

Sealed Air is a leading global manufacturer of materials for food packaging. It has offices in North America, Asia and the Middle East.