One of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge’s biggest employers is laying off up to 20 staff, just months after a previous round of redundancies.
Furniture maker Woodberry Brothers and Haines confirmed on Tuesday morning (July 29th) that the firm is laying off 20 staff.
Company director Mark Woodberry told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Tuesday: “Historically, the summer months are not good but this year’s economic climate means trading conditions are tough.”
“We are still in discussions about the numbers of staff we will be laying off, but it will be less than 20.”
“We are taking action now pro-actively, rather than re-actively, to minimise the impact.”
Mr Woodberry strongly denied claims from one staff member, who is among those leaving the firm, that the number being cut is between 40 and 65 people. “Those numbers are ridiculous and far from the mark.”
He confirmed that the job losses would be from across the company. “They range from admin positions to the shop floor.”
One staff member, who asked not to be named, told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Monday: “Fortunately, I already have another job to move to, but many others don’t and the mood is understandably gloomy among many staff.”
News of the latest round of cuts first emerged in Burnham’s discussion forums last week. It comes after the firm also laid off 14 staff last October when the company also dropped its kitchen furniture range.
