GWENT workers are facing another jobs blow with the announcement of 250 redundancies at a leading aero-industry company.

American-owned GE Aircraft Engine Services is to lose 250 jobs at its engine overhaul operations.

The company, which has facilities in Nantgarw, Blackwood and Bedwas, has begun a consultation process with the unions.

It has said the move is necessary to ensure the long-term viability of its Welsh operations. GEAES said the downturn had been partly caused by an increase in fuel prices which had led airline companies to reduce spending on engine overhaul work.

Over the last year, the company has cut its Welsh workforce by around 200. This round of job losses will mean the workforce is cut to 1,150.

A spokesman said GEAES has experienced considerable growth in Wales during the 1990s, with employment growing by nearly 50 per cent.

But it was currently experiencing "market softness" as the number of engine overhauls in the past year had declined.

"We are taking aggressive actions to reduce operating costs at our Welsh facilities to ensure their long-term viability."

The company overhauls engines for airlines world-wide, including KLM and British Airways. Compulsory redundancies have not been ruled out.