Union bosses at Inbev, which brews Stella Artois at its site in Samlesbury, near Preston, have vowed to "fight" the decision to shed staff and revealed that many workers are fuming at the announcement.

Bosses from the international firm has blamed a downturn in beer sales for the cuts and opened talks with workers which are expected to end in May.

GMB branch secretary Tom Fallows said: "You can never rule out industrial action because we would not have to ballot them because, if they are angry enough, they will want industrial action.

"If they do not believe the reasons being given for these losses are right, then the likelihood is that they will take that action.

"There are a lot of long-serving staff at Inbev, some of which have more than 30 years service, and a lot of them feel angry about what has happened."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, whose constituency covers the brewery site, is due to meet with company bosses next week in a bid to limit the number of losses of the 380-strong workforce.

InBev, which also brews Tennent's Lager, Boddingtons and Castlemaine XXXX at the factory, confirmed that talks were underway with union officials.

In a statement, it said: "A formal process of information and consultation is currently under way, following proposals which could lead to a reduction in employee numbers at the Samlesbury site by around 166 people.

"InBev UK remains committed to investing in our brands and ensuring the long term success of our business.

"These proposals are no reflection on the quality of our employees, who are an integral part of this process and are being treated with respect throughout."

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