THE axe is poised to cut more than 50 jobs at one of Bromsgrove's largest employers.

But staff employed at United Engineering Forgings at Aston Fields, the former Garringtons plant, which employs 535, will have to wait at least a couple of weeks before learning precisely where the cuts will fall.

Meanwhile, urgent talks between unions and KPMG, a firm of administrators appointed to try to rescue the ailing firm, are being held in a bid to reduce that figure.

Duncan Simpson, a national officer with the Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union, said: "This is a terrible blow for the workforce here and at Kidderminster, where 70 jobs are in danger.

"We are to hold talks immediately to mitigate the circumstances."

But a spokesman for KPMG accused the union for reneging on an agreement not to make the figures public.

Simon Griffiths said: "Numbers are not being confirmed."

He said it is usual to tell staff where and how many jobs are being cut as soon as is practical.

However, at UEF the delay is because an independent trustee has had to be appointed to advise on the pension fund.

Bromsgrove District Council has moved swiftly to help support workers threatened by job losses.