Veterinary services firm in Keynsham 'could cut 400 jobs'

IVC Evidensia has 1,100 staff at its headquarters in Keynsham

Around 400 jobs could be lost at an international veterinary services firm near Bristol.

IVC Evidensia, which runs 2,600 vet clinics and out-of-hours centres across 20 countries, has 1,100 operational staff at its Keynsham headquarters.

The company, which was set up 12 years ago, is based in the Chocolate Factory in Keynsham - the site of the former Cadbury factory.

The company said it was "considering outsourcing financial services".

'Complete shock'

Staff said they had been advised not to speak to the media, but a few approached by BBC West said privately it was a good firm to work for.

Among the perks its employees enjoy is being allowed to take their dogs to work.

Several said the news of redundancies had come "out of the blue" and was "a complete shock".

'Hard hit'

David Biddleston, a member of Keynsham Town Council, said: "Once again it is another dreadful loss, over the last 20 years we have lost some of the biggest employers we have had.

"It is another hard hit for Keynsham and one we would rather not see."

He added: "We don't want Keynsham to become a dormitory town, we want it to be a thriving community full of good, professional jobs.

IVC Evidensia said: "We continually review our back-office services to ensure they are supporting the business in the most effective and efficient way, we are considering outsourcing finance services."

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