SHOCKED ship repair workers in Southampton were today trying to come to terms with losing their jobs.

As reported in the later editions of yesterday's Daily Echo, refit and maintenance company A&P is paying off all 57 shop floor employees.

Management blamed the drying up of orders and claimed that A&P nationally had been subsidising jobs at Southampton for a long time.

GMB union regional organiser Bob Stokes described it as a "kick in the teeth", saying staff were shocked at the finality of the situation.

One of Europe's main centres for refitting cruise ships, container and cargo vessels, A&P has carved a reputation for handling all aspects of maintenance and refurbishment at the leased King George V dry dock.

However, orders slumped following a recent multi-million-pound contract win to refit three cruise liners for Carnival Corporation.

Mr Stokes said the GMB will now be trying to find workers, who are paid a basic hourly rate of £9.11, alternative employment.

They only learned of the jobs bombshell yesterday morning in a hastily-convened union meeting.

A&P managing director David Parry stressed that the viability of the business was paramount, but added: "It is with deep regret that we have had to make this decision."

The company will be sourcing clients for the winter season, when refit projects are traditionally carried on cruise liners.

It is understood hired labour, without the costs associated with a permanent workforce, will be used as and when needed.

Mr Stokes admitted it was a casualised industry, but warned: "It is unprecedented to run the business without any core labour force.

"Most of the men being laid off will refuse to sign new contracts, and if they do, they will say they are covered by existing agreements."

The wholesale redundancies, which do not affect 26 white collar posts, have apparently raised eyebrows in the industry.

It is understood the influential Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Union is to press the A&P group on whether Southampton is an isolated case or whether other yards in the company fold will follow suit.

According to Mr Stokes, Falmouth in Cornwall has had to turn work down because it is so busy.