'Challenging market conditions' blamed for redundancies

Helphire is set to axe 130 staff as it struggles in the economic downturn.

The accident management company said job losses were expected mainly in the south west.

The Bath-based company outlined a cost-reduction programme in its December trading statement. The firm, which employs more than 3,000 people and has a national fleet network of 30 branches, will give further details on February 27.

Chief executive Mark Adams said: “Market conditions continue to be challenging but our focus remains on the delivery of our previously announced efficiency and cost reduction programme. Having undergone a thorough review of our cost base, we must ensure that every area of the group performs effectively to create value for our stakeholders and we are seeking to make a limited number of redundancies across several of our group’s companies.

“This will be undertaken with no reduction in levels of customer service. We anticipate this process taking place over the next three months.“