TRW Automotive has confirmed that it plans to cut 156 of 638 jobs at its Pontypool brake disc and drum factory. The majority of the jobs will go at the end of this year and the remainder during 2006.

TRW plant manager Steve Stott said: "These reductions are essential in order to align employee levels with our volume of business.

"Consultation with employees and their representatives has started. We will look for redeployment opportunities within TRW's other operations and will seek volunteers for redundancy.

"Given the number of jobs at risk of redundancy, however, it is likely that we will need to move into a compulsory programme. We will, of course, consult with employee representatives and provide appropriate support to those affected by this announcement."