MORE than 50 workers at a pharmaceutical factory in Ponders End could be laid off as their employers consider shutting it down.

Aesica Pharmaceuticals Ltd yesterday started a redundancy consultation with all 56 staff at the plant in Morson Road, with a view to possibly closing the site altogether.

The firm has its headquarters in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and has sites in Kent and Northumberland as well as in USA and Shanghai.

The decision to look at closing the Ponders End plant came after a major contract was lost and bosses began looking at consolidating their business.

However, the firm has stressed no final decisions will be taken until after talks with the workers affected.

In a brief statement, the company said: “The company is working with employee representatives to explore options and will make a further announcement to employees on the future of the site at the end of that consultation period.

“Until then, Aesica is not in a position to make any further comment or provide any further detail.”