The decision is another blow to staff after 127 of them lost their jobs in the past two years.

In a statement last week bosses said the redundancies were necessary as the company transformed its business from traditional photographic to digital products.

"The company has become very successful in these new markets, but unfortunately it does mean we have to change the way we manufacture and how we are organised," said Philip Kelsall, manager of human resources.

Martin Smith, spokesman for the Joint Trades Unions at Ilford, said workers blamed the management for the current situation.

"The unions are dismayed at the number of intended job losses at a site of 880 workers," he said.

"People are very concerned about their future - everyone has a seven to one chance of being made redundant."

In 1998 the Mobberley-based firm blamed a slump in exports of black and white paper for the loss of more than 100 jobs.

Many of the redundancies were voluntary and were mainly management, technical and ancillary staff.

On Friday Mr Kelsall confirmed that no redundancies would be made before Christmas as talks had only just got started.

And bosses at the company hope the future will now be secure for the remaining employees.

"We don't foresee any future redundancies and we can't be sure that a lot of the 130 proposed redundancies will actually materialise," said Graham Boddy, director of human resources.

Trade unions were due to meet company bosses yesterday (Tuesday) to discuss the proposals in detail and to decide what action would now be taken.

The timing of the redundancies, which followed a request from unions for a 3% pay rise that was rejected, will also be discussed.