One of Maldon’s major employers has dealt a massive blow to staff after announcing redundancies.

Calorex, which currently employs 130 people and has manufactured heat pumps and dehumidifiers for more than 30 years, has announced the company is considering the loss of up to 19 posts.

The firm, based on The Causeway, discussed the situation with staff in a meeting with a director before handing out details in announcement letters last week.

One worker, who did not want to be named, described the news as “devastating”.

He said: “It’s just so sudden, right before Christmas, we haven’t had much notice."

See this week's MBS for the full story.