A MAJOR pharmaceutical firm has insisted it is commited to Basildon, despite more than 200 workers facing redundancy.

Packing and warehouse staff at Waymade Healthcare, which has bases in Miles Gray Road and on the Burnt Mills Industrial Estate, were sent hand-written letters last week telling them a 45-day consultation on their future had been launched.

The risk of job losses comes four months after Benfleet millionaires Vijay and Bhikhu Patel transferred the distribution arm of Waymade to the B&S Group.

Despite previously admitting parts of the Basildon business, which opened in 1984, are “not economically viable”, the new owners still see a future in the town.

While some departments face the axe, 25 jobs have been created for sales staff.

A recruitment drive began in February, with six positions already filled.

A spokesman for B&S said: “Having reviewed the operations in Basildon over the last few months, B&S believes some restructuring of activities is necessary to ensure the overall operation brings the greatest benefits to customers, suppliers and provides a long-term security to employees.

“The B&S group believes there is a future in Basildon and to that end the review of the sales function has led to the creation of 25 positions. Due to increasing competition, the B&S group is reviewing the productivity within the packing and warehousing operation and has commenced a formal consultation process with specific staff groups regarding the future operation of these areas.

“We hope to come up with a positive resolution for all involved, so the group is better positioned to cope with the economic challenges of the future, thus providing security to its employees.”

Fears were raised Waymade could end up leaving Basildon for good after news of the potential job losses broke.

Workers have told the Echo some employees took voluntary redundancy when B&S took over in January, and the stock rooms are empty, with no new stock coming in.

One source, who did not want to be named, said he was surprised to hear the firmannounce its commitment to the town.

He added: “It clearly wants to create an image that all is well at Waymade.

“Some staff have been offered jobs in Hounslow, but that is not practicle for people in Basildon.

“Maybe they need more sales staff because they are going to sell up.”

The consultation is due to end in the middle of June.