An engineering firm in Blackwood has confirmed that 75 jobs are to go.
Hawker Siddeley Switchgear, based at Blackwood Business Park, is to make 35 staff redundant while another 40 temporary workers will be let go before Christmas.
Staff were told the news about the job losses last Friday.
The firm manufactures components and circuit breakers and has supplied rail companies including London Underground. It is understood the losses are down to falling sales.
Hawker Siddeley Switchgear was formed in 1991 when South Wales Switchgear, established in 1941 in Treforest, merged with Brush Switchgear.
It was then acquired by FKI in November 1996 which relocated the company to its present Blackwood site. In 2008, Melrose acquired FKI Switchgear and returned to its former brand, Hawker Siddeley.
Islwyn Labour MP Chris Evans said: “This is the worst possible news at the worst possible time for employees of Switchgear.
“I hope management and the unions work together to protect as many jobs as possible.”