TWENTY-ONE Torbay jobs are set to be lost at a company helping disabled people find employment.

The non-profit training agency Pluss, based in Paignton, said it has suffered during the recession, with its income dropping by 30 per cent.

It employs 51 people in Torbay but, despite trying to safeguard jobs, it is looking to offload 21 members of staff.

Martin Davies, Pluss managing director, said: "Pluss's enterprises, like many other companies, have been operating in an incredibly difficult trading environment.

"Despite extensive negotiation with trade unions, we were unable to reach a formal agreement.

"Pluss will do absolutely everything possible to help our employees throughout this difficult time. Pluss now needs to take action to protect itself and its future.

"Today, we regrettably began formal consultation with trade unions and staff on a restructure of our enterprise services.

"We do, however, plan to create 11 new trainee posts where people with disabilities can come to work on short-term contracts to develop skills and qualifications.

"They would then be supported to find work within their communities.

"In the longer term, we hope the creation of these posts will help more and more people with disabilities into work.

"Employees who do not secure a permanent post in the new structure would be able to apply for one of the new trainee opportunities.

"Our employment services will remain unaffected and will continue to offer effective services to hundreds of people throughout Torbay.

"We would support and encourage staff to find alternative work wherever possible."