RONEZ staff are facing the prospect of job losses in the run-up to Christmas after the firm’s director confirmed it was looking to reduce its workforce.

Peter de Garis said consultation had begun with employees and their union representative.

‘We will diligently follow recognised best practice during that process and we will be working in conjunction with the union,’ he said.

Mr de Garis would not comment on a suggestion that five members of the road gang would be laid off within the next three weeks.

However, Unite regional officer Bob Lanning confirmed that around ‘half a dozen’ road worker jobs were under threat.