HEREFORDSHIRE Council has outlined the support it is offering those made redundant by two Hereford plastic packaging firms.

The Hereford Times reported yesterday how administrators KPMG had confirmed that a total of 175 members of staff had been made redundant from Gelpack Industrial Limited and Gelpack Excelsior Limited.

All but a 'skeleton staff' were sent home from the businesses last Thursday after the firms went into administration due to an 'additional funding requirement' following difficult trading conditions.

But administrators confirmed yesterday that steps were being taken to wind-down the businesses as they had not been able to obtain funding to support trading.

A skeleton staff have been retained to help fulfil outstanding orders and assist with the wind-down process.

A spokesman for Herefordshire Council said the council was disappointed to hear the news. 

They said in a statement: “Alongside Jobcentre Plus, Herefordshire Council staff have met with affected Gelpack employees.

“We are contacting local employers to find further job opportunities and we can provide access to a range of re-training courses and support to those who wish to start their own business.

"We will continue to work with the administrators and relevant agencies to make sure employees get the support that they need at this difficult time.”