BOSSES at a Whitstable firm have confirmed that almost 100 people are to lose their jobs.

Managers at Huyck (UK) first revealed the redundancies just before Christmas and have now confirmed that 94 jobs will be cut at the Thanet Way plant which makes products used in the production of paper.

The losses are due to restructuring of the business by its parent company Xerium Technologies which is transferring forming fabric production to other factories in Europe.

Just a third of the 145-strong workforce will be left at the Thanet Way plant and all have been involved in consultation on the redundancies.

Managing director Paul Myerscough said a severance package had been agreed and job fairs and advice clinics had been held on site to help employees find new jobs.

More than 20 people have already left and two giant weaving looms have been moved to the company's sister plant in Italy.

Mr Myerscough said: "It is a tribute to the skill, pride and commitment of Huyck employees that the plant has continued with effective production and administration at a very difficult time for everybody, and thanks are due to them all."

The move is due to be completed by June and after that the plant will concentrate on manufacturing paper machine wet end dewatering equipment, which will be boosted by the transfer of business from America after the closure of a site there.