UNION leaders have slammed plans to cut nearly 250 jobs at a linen and workwear firm.

Bosses at the pest control- to-hygiene firm Rentokil have confirmed 245 jobs will go at its largest site in Catford where Initial Hygiene employs the workers.

Rentokil will close the linen and workwear operations on April 30 as part of a total 1,700 job cuts country-wide.

The firm has pledged to do everything possible to get workers jobs within other parts of the company, but cannot confirm this until the consultation period with workers and customers is finished.

But general workers' union GMB has described the news as a devastating blow and hit out at Rentokil for the "shoddy" manner in which the company has dealt with the problems.

GMB southern regional secretary Richard Ascough said: "There has been a lack of investment in the linen and workwear division of the company.

"There has also been a breakdown in communication and Rentokil has not being keeping us informed with developments.

"We are not pleased about this. It is devastating news and we are not happy with the cavalier attitude the company has for their employees."

Chief executive of Rentokil Initial Doug Flynn said: "Our UK Linen and Workwear activities have sustained considerable losses for several years and the need to exit this operation has been clear for some time.

"We are committed to doing all we can to minimise the level of redundancies and to support all our employees and customers affected by the closure."

Lewisham Council deputy mayor Councillor Gavin Moore said: "This is clearly very disappointing.

"The council is making representations to the employment service to ensure everything possible is done to assist local employees affected by this closure."

Chairman for the Lewisham, Greenwich and Bexley Chamber of Commerce Peter Wilson described the potential job losses as "horrendous".