Union chiefs said today they were dismayed by the loss of another 50 jobs in Burgess Hill.

The 180-strong workforce at CAE Electronics will be culled during the next six months. The news brings more jobs gloom to the town. Filofax announced two months ago it would be axing 130 jobs, some in Littlehampton but most at Burgess Hill.

Now staff at CAE are anxiously waiting to discover which jobs will go. Workers would only speak privately about their anger and dismay, fearing for their chances of being moved elsewhere within the group. Staff representative Graham Speed said: "I can't really comment on that at all."

A relative of one worker telephoned the Argus to complain about the firm, saying his well qualified son had a mortgage and a family to support.

"From what I hear, you could say there is a bit of anger around but it's more a feeling of dismay. However well and hard you work, the reality is you are just cannon fodder for accountants.

"I worked in industry most of my life. I say good riddance to the lazy and incompetent. But maybe the wrong ones are getting the push nowadays."

County and town councillor Tony Balsdon said: "We regret the loss of any jobs in the town but the area itself remains vibrant and we hope other companies will be able to take up the reins."

A spokesman for the Transport and General Workers Union said of the plight facing workers: "In broad terms, we are equating this with the situation in the car industry.

"It is, relative to Europe, quick and easy to sack British workers. This is why we support calls for legislation in Britain similar to that in the rest of Europe. In Britain, literally one minute you are in a job and the next minute you are not."

CAE, which provides military simulation equipment and training, blames a recent loss of trade for its decision. Managing director David Myers said: "It is very disappointing to reduce the number of employees at our Burgess Hill facility."

The firm is trying to move some workers into other jobs in the group, while the issue is being discussed with staff representatives and "appropriate severance arrangements" are being made.

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