THE future of a troubled Gwent furniture manufacturers looks uncertain after staff were offered the chance to leave.

Workers at Prestige Upholstery in Rogerstone were handed letters from the management on Friday, saying if they wanted to leave they could do so immediately.

The continuing problems at Prestige Upholstery, based at the Wern Trading Estate, are understood to have been caused through a major decline of its customer base.

In a letter to workers, believed to number 85, the general manager confirms the company has experienced a substantial drop in its order book.

The letter says that to protect the workforce, lower production levels have been maintained - but because of delays by a major retailer in confirming the timing of the next production line, the company has no alternative but to continue lay-offs.

The letter continues: "This situation cannot be maintained and in any event a substantial reduction in the workforce is inevitable. The company is therefore reluctantly prepared to make those who would prefer redundant with immediate effect."

The letter also suggests Prestige Upholstery may not have enough money to pay its workers redundancy.

No one from the company was available to comment about the issues surrounding the letter or what action is being taken to safeguard workers' jobs.

* Do you work at Prestige Upholstery? Contact Ceri Hillier on 01291 625777