WELLINGTON’S largest employer Relyon has gone into administration, putting more than 450 jobs at risk.

The news comes after two other major companies in the town, Swallowfield and Pritex, announced job cuts.

It is the biggest employment blow to Wellington since Fox Bros at Tonedale closed down most of its operation in the 1980s, putting hundreds out of work.

The Mayor of Wellington, Janet Lloyd, said: “I was devastated to learn that Relyon, another long-standing manufacturing business in Wellington, has gone into administration, a decision which could affect hundreds of jobs.

“It comes after the news last week that Pritex is looking to cut back with voluntary redundancies and only two weeks since Swallowfield announced it would be making between 35 and 40 staff redundant.

“Relyon’s administrators will be seeking a buyer but the fact that they have called in administrators does not bode well. I sincerely hope that a buyer for the company can be found and jobs will be saved.

“This is another major shock for the people who work for these companies, some of whom have worked for them for many years, and a horrendous blow to the economy of Wellington and the people of our town.”

For the full story see this week’s Wellington Weekly News.