A hundred civilian jobs could be lost at Colchester Garrison.

Sodexho staff working at the Garrison have been told by managers to expect redundancies and warned that as many as 100 jobs could go in the "worst case scenario".

The reason for the possible job losses is possible barrack closures at the Garrison.

Staff claim barracks mentioned for closure include Hyderabad, Roman and McMunn barracks.

Sodexho has about 250 staff in Colchester, who provide a range of services including cleaning, catering and working behind the Garrison's bars.

The workers were told about the situation during a meeting with managers.

The number of jobs which could be lost depends on what happens to the Garrison when soldiers are dispatched to the Gulf.

Sodexho spokeswoman Clare Collins said today some barracks might be closed when soldiers were dispatched to the Middle East, and that was where the jobs would be lost.

She said: "The worst case scenario of three barracks closing is that 100 jobs might be lost.

"I stress that this is the worst case scenario. We are still waiting because we have not been told what the situation is. Nothing has been confirmed. "

A cleaner with Sodexho, who did not want to be named, said: "We had a meeting with managers who told their staff to expect redundancies because the soldiers are going to Iraq."

Published Wednesday, January 22, 2003

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