WORKERS for RAF Lyneham's largest contractor say they feel betrayed after the company's shock decision to cut jobs in 30 days' time.

Babcock/HCS employs 279 workers and supplies the RAF base with skilled personnel who provide Lyneham with a host of services, including the maintenance of air propulsion units on aircraft.

Following news of the gradual shutdown of the base two weeks ago, the Babcock workers thought their jobs were safe until the J Fleet of Hercules were moved to Brize Norton in 2007.

But less than a week after the decision to close RAF Lyneham was announced, the company's stunned workforce was assembled by management and given notice that redundancies were imminent.

Babcock/HCS press spokesman Robin Ashby said a 30-day consultation process would now take place but the job losses were part of a business review that began months ago and is intended to improve efficiency at the company.

Mr Ashby added that the announcement was brought forward to reassure workers unsettled by the closure that it would not have a catastrophic effect on the company.

But he admitted that although it was difficult to say at this stage how many redundancies will be made, it is likely to range between ten and 30.

Workers left reeling by the news say they have become the victims of the lies and cover-ups surrounding the closure of the base.

One man, who has worked at the company for more than a year, said: "We have no idea what's going on. There is an air of despondency among workers.

"Many of the men who work here are middle-aged and do highly specialised jobs.

"People in their 50s won't be able to get another job doing what they do in the area and will have to go elsewhere.

"How are they going to manage the mortgage and look after their families?

"People are gobsmacked," he continued. "I thought we would still be going until at least 2007, but it just seems everything's been hidden under the carpet."

In an official statement, Babcock/HCS said: 'We will strive to ensure that any efficiency improvements are as painless as possible.

"That's why we are fully consulting with our employees and their representatives in line with both contractual and employment law obligations.

"It's important to stress that no individual has been given notice and changes could be phased in over a period of time."

Babcocks/HCS's contract with RAF Lyneham expires in 2007.

Mr Ashby dismissed rumours that mass redundancies were planned as "poppycock".

He said that it was unclear at this early stage what departments the jobs losses would come from, but that the workforce would be consulted as events developed.

"As long as RAF Lyneham is open it is going to need the services Babcock/HCS provides," he said.

RAF Lyneham media officer, Flt Lt John Makinson-Sanders, said: "RAF Lyneham operate a contract with Babcock/HCS to provide a number of service at the station. "As part of that contract we do not stipulate how many staff are employed to meet its terms.

"Any changes that are made concerning the number of staff employed is controlled by the Babcock/HCS management and we have no input in these decisions."

A spokesman for the Transport and General Workers Union, said: "This is a time of great importance for our members at RAF Lyneham.

"Full time officers from the union are involved and are dealing with the company and the workforce to ensure a fair and proper consultation is carried out."