HUNDREDS of jobs have been put at risk after a long-running company which has a depot in Colchester decided to part way with one of its key clients.
IWJS Ltd, which has a site in Moss Road, Colchester, provides around-the-clock sewer services, waste management and industrial cleaning solutions.
The business, part of M Group Services, has dedicated 45 years to maintaining and helping improve wastewater networks across the country.
Company bosses say they are in the process of a "strategic review" of the business, meaning just shy of 147 employees are being put at risk of redundancy.
The Gazette has been told 40 of those jobs are based in Colchester.
One Colchester worker, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: “They handed out our redundancy notices on Friday. We finish on May 12.”
Lawrence Summers, executive director of M Group Services’ water division, has now stressed the firm will be looking to support those impacted by the move.
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He said: “We’ve made the difficult decision to withdraw IWJS from undertaking work for one of its largest clients while we complete a strategic review of the business.
“As a result, we have had to put 147 employees at risk of redundancy.
“During the formal consultation period, we are making every effort to find suitable alternative employment for those who are at risk.
“The IWJS team continues to deliver specialist wastewater network services to a number of water companies and clients in sectors such as aviation and highways.
“We appreciate this is a difficult period for those affected and our support for colleagues remains a priority.”
The difficult decision comes just four years after the business was acquired by infrastructure firm M Group Services, which took over the reins in 2019.
At the time of the acquisition chief executive Jim Arnold said IWJS would “benefit” from greater growth and diversification opportunities as a result of the move.
David King, leader of Colchester Council, says he has been left saddened by the news and feels for all those who could now be faced with losing their livelihoods.
He said: “I’m upset for the employees and their families for whom this will be a huge shock and I am just sorry for the disruption this will mean for all of them.
“I am hopeful with a strong job market many of the workers will be able to find an acceptable alternative but I fully recognise this, for many, may not be quick or easy.
“We cannot intervene in cases like this but I ask the company’s bosses make sure they meet their obligation to those losing their jobs because of their decisions.
“I hope they act with generosity and help cushion the blow many will feel because of this decision to close down.”
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