There are fears that 30 to 40 jobs could be lost as another oil and gas company makes cutbacks in Great Yarmouth.

Weatherford, a global oilfield service company, makes parts for the oil and gas industry at the Gapton Hall industrial estate, in Great Yarmouth.

In a meeting on Tuesday (February 23) staff were told that the manufacturing facility would close by May.

An employee from the company, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was told in a meeting on Tuesday morning that the plant would be shutting down.

Chris Whitwell, marketing and communications manager for Europe and the Caspian at Weatherford, said: 'Following an extensive review of its global manufacturing operations, Weatherford has proposed the closure of its Gapton Hall, Yarmouth manufacturing facility and will subsequently engage in a consultation.

'Throughout 2015 and into 2016, the global oil and gas sector has faced challenging business conditions.

'In light of this, Weatherford has conducted a strategic review of the global manufacturing group to ensure that the structure and capacity is appropriate to current and projected market conditions.

'In addition to the closure of the Yarmouth plant, Weatherford has proposed revised organisational structures for its Aberdeen and Arbroath facilities.

'Prior to taking action on the proposed changes, the company will engage in a consultation exercise with elected representatives of those who may be affected.

'A new organisational chart has been released and all employees are encouraged to apply for positions within this new structure.'

Earlier this month, the company said it planned to lay off an additional 6,000 workers, about 15pc of its workforce, over the first half of this year to cope with the worst crude market downturn in 30 years.