ALMOST a third of the workforce at a York engineering firm will lose their jobs after bosses announced sweeping cuts to combat a downturn in the motor sport industry.

A total of 28 workers at Osbaldwick-based Pocklington Coachworks, which employs 90 people, are to be made redundant as the company looks to cut costs.

Bosses at the engineering firm, which specialises in custom-built race trailers and hospitality units, say motor racing teams are tightening their budgets.

Managing director Fran Johnson said the company faced falling profits and needed to become more efficient.

He said: "I am personally very saddened at having to make this harsh decision. The company has a fine workforce and one I am very proud of.

"This is an unexpected hurdle to the ongoing success of the company and one that is faced with great disappointment."

He said that as the company finished running projects, future orders were not high enough to sustain the current workforce in a "flat" market.

A member of staff, who asked not be named, said: "Everyone has been pulling their fingers out to get things done. The management have let us down."

Formula 1 racing trailers created by Pocklington Coachworks, are featured regularly on TV.

The firm has created luxurious trailers for top Formula 1 car racing teams, such as the Williams team, as well as for superbike teams HM Plant Ducati and Castrol Honda.

Updated: 11:22 Thursday, April 10, 2003