Major cost cuts at one of the country's oldest joinery firm has put 60 jobs under threat.

Berwick-based Allan Brothers has announced it must cut costs equivalent to 60 full-time jobs to ride out the credit crunch.

The manufacturing firm has suffered a large drop in demand for its timber windows and doors and seen fuel and haulage costs rise.


Allan Brothers financial controller, Graeme Mawson said it had entered into a 30 day consultation with staff and unions to decide where to cut costs.

He said: "We have to make some cuts that will be the equivalent of 60 jobs, but that is not to say 60 jobs will go. We are looking at imaginative ways to do that, whether it be reducing overtime, shortening hours - but we have to be realistic for all the guys that work here."

The firm was started in 1811 and employs 245 staff.

(GK/JM)