TWO leading local companies have announced 87 redundancies between them.

Bolton firm Hick Hargreaves is axing 27 jobs at its Crook Street headquarters in Bolton, while BIC Cables Ltd of Leigh is looking for 60 voluntary redundancies across the workforce.

Hick Hargreaves is part of the national group,TI, and a major manufacturer and exporter of vacuum pumping systems.

A total of 235 people work at Hick Hargreaves. Among the departments in which positions are being lost are machining, fitting, ancillaries, stores, painting and inspection.

The redundancy announcement comes almost a month after 16 jobs were lost before Christmas.

A company spokesman said: "The business has been suffering from the current exchange rate and its disappointing order level.

"As with the majority of exporters, we have found a strong pound makes competing on the Continent very difficult."

The 60 voluntary redundancies being sought at BIC Cables Ltd will be across the workforce, and are expected to be achieved by the end of March.

The announcement follows the programme of redundancies which took place last year.

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