TWENTY jobs have been lost at a Stevenston factory, the site's operators have confirmed - while other workers have been redeployed into lower paid roles.

Packaging manufacturer and supplier Berry BPI confirmed the job losses at its site on the Ardeer industrial estate.

All the departing employees have accepted voluntary redundancy.

The company said the redundancies had been made in consultation with employees and union officials.

A source contacted the Herald alleging that the company had taken a "like it or lump it approach" to the job cuts.

The source added added: "A lot of people have lost a lot of money and the place is in uproar.

"People are feeling that the place might not be open in six months."

A spokesperson for Berry BPI, who are part of the Berry Global group, said: "We have seen reduced activity in some of our sectors at our site in Stevenston, North Ayrshire.

"The site supplies into a number of markets including construction and home and garden.

"It is widely reported in the press that activity in these markets is reduced and this has affected our own activity levels.

"As a result, we regrettably had to announce a number of redundancies, with 20 roles affected.

"Through positive consultation with employees and union officials, these redundancies were satisfied entirely on a voluntary basis and no compulsory redundancies were implemented.

"In addition, we have redeployed some employees between departments in order to secure their ongoing employment and this may have meant a change in pay for a small number of employees."