SHOCKED workers at a Widnes chemical plant were incensed to discover 69 jobs are being axed because it is cheaper for their products to be made overseas.

The bombshell announcement to transfer production of food phosphates to Germany and Holland was made to employees at Thermphos UK in Earle Road on Monday.

Terry Mellor, senior organiser of the general municipal and boilermakers union, said: “Employees at the Widnes site are angry and upset, particularly as they believe that they can more than match the quality and production levels of their European counterparts.

“It is really hard to accept that UK businesses are once again the poor relation and the easier option when it comes to shedding jobs.

“Thermphos, previously Albright & Wilson and then Rhodia, has provided quality jobs to a loyal and hard working workforce for many years and this town cannot afford to lose such jobs.”

Several plants are set to close in June, decimating the workforce to only 25.

Managing director Paul Brennan, said: “It is very disappointing news.

“The problem is we have more capacity than we need. It is more efficient for us to produce in Germany and Holland.

“2009 was a very poor year. We have been considering this for some time. It is very difficult and regrettable.

“We are obviously thinking of our employees and their families. We will look after our workforce. The redundancy package offered will be a very good one.”