OVER 30 jobs will be lost when a Caerphilly bakery closes one of its sites.

The former head office site of Brace's Bakery in Croespenmaen, Crumlin, will close on Monday, April 4 and be transferred to another site in Pen-y-fan.

The company are hoping the redundancies can be managed by a voluntary arrangement with a suggestion of 39 job losses across three sites.

The company, which employs over 290 staff, will enter a 30-day consultation period with workers.

Braces Bakery, established in 1902, operates three production sites, including facilities in Crumlin and Rogerstone, and the "voluntary redundancy arrangement" will give workers options to move to other sites.

Scott Richardson, CEO of Brace’s Bakery, said the closure was a “tough decision” and that the company will now outsource the production of Welsh cakes and fruit bread to a third party.

He said: “We recognise and value the contributions of our staff at the Croespenmaen site and will be working with the affected employees to mitigate the impact of the transfer.

“We hope to avoid compulsory redundancies, by offering redeployment into vacant posts and through schemes such as voluntary redundancy and early retirement.”

The closure will transfer production to the other two sites which will maintain 24/7 output.

Cllr Andrew Lewis, of Crumlin Ward, described the news as “devastating” and was “desperately sorry” for the workers affected.

Gwyn Price, AM for Islwyn, also tweeted that he was “naturally disappointed” by the announced closure.

He said: “I know Braces Bakery will work with staff and Bakers Food and Allied Work Union to support the workers affected.”

A spokesman for the Bakers Food and Allied Work Union said: “It was with sadness that Braces have taken the decision to close their Crospenmaen site and transfer production to the two other production sites, while at the same time outsourcing fruit loaf and Welsh cakes.

“The union are aware that these redundancies are being offered on a voluntary basis, thus allowing those employees who wish to leave voluntarily to progress their careers elsewhere."

He added: “We will continue to support the members affected by this and work closely with the company to ensure the members have full support.”

Mr Richardson, of Braces Bakery, said: “This is a difficult time for everyone and will remain challenging while the changes are implemented.”

“We are committed to maintaining our position as a leading employer in Wales and are working with staff, unions and the Welsh Government to make the transition as smooth as possible.”