MORE jobs will be lost at the Stonehouse milk factory, Dairy Crest - one of the district's largest employers.

Two weeks ago the company, which employs more than 600 people, revealed that around 17 employees at the Severnside plant in Oldends Lane could be affected by redundancies due to the closing of an organic milk line.

And now the milk giant has dropped a second bombshell - that a further 19 jobs could now go.

One employee, who escaped the last round of cuts, and who preferred not to be named, said: "People are wondering whether they'll still be here next week."

She added that ongoing appraisals have caused a lot of tension and stress for staff: "We don't know who is going yet but usually after appraisals they make changes.

"People are competing against their friends. People used to have a good working relationship here but it is an awful environment at the moment.

"It's an awful time of year to be made redundant.

"If I had lost my job I'd have lost my house and my kids would have had no Christmas."

A spokesman for Dairy Crest said: "A review of operating processes across the whole factory has led to a rationalisation programme which may, unfortunately, result in some roles being lost.

"Consultation has commenced with all those affected and it is hoped that we will be able to offer suitable alternative employment where possible. It is possible that up to19 roles will be affected by these changes."