SEVEN people have been laid off from a 150-year-old military uniform specialist business in Thundersley.

After a two-week consultation, bosses at Hobson and Sons uniform specialists, in Kenneth Road, told the six full-time members of staff and one part-time worker they would be made redundant on Friday.

Five office staff and two supervisors lost their jobs at the company, which was established in 1850 and specialises in Army, Navy and police uniforms.

Kevin Palmer, who has been managing director of Hobson and Sons for eight years, said: “It is a very sad situation, but it is a normal part of every day business. We have been here for a long time, and hope to be here for another 150 years.

“We have had to make these cuts because of the tough economic situation.

“We are doing everything we can to be the best we can and stay strong in the current situation.

“We have about 60 people working at the Thundersley depot, and we want it to go from strength to strength.

“It is regrettable people have had to go, but they understand the reasons it has been done “ Mr Palmer explained the restructuring of the company was essential, and the bosses were not looking to make anyone else redundant in the near future.

Peter Burch, Tory councillor for Cedar Hall, Thundersley, said: “It is a well-established company and it is well run.

“It employs local people, and it is always a tragedy when anyone loses their job.

“Many companies are having to cut back in the current economic climate.

“I would like Hobson and Sons to employ as many people as possible, and hopefully when times improve it will be able to give those people their jobs back.”