An east Devon-based company has asked its employees to consider voluntary redundancy due to ‘market uncertainties’.

A spokesperson for Axminster Carpets said they wanted to be honest and update their employees on the current uncertainties in the market due to Brexit.

They added that the company is restructuring due to these uncertainties and streamlining the operation, asking staff to consider voluntary redundancy, but insisted it was still ‘business and usual’ and the firm had seen good growth in sales.

A statement by managing director Jonathan Young said: "Axminster Carpets has been fundamentally repositioned during the last couple of years during which time the business has seen good growth in sales, launch of new products, improved customer service and further development of its brand.  The current market outlook is however more challenging with the sustained uncertainty relating to Brexit leading to a lack of consumer-spending confidence. 

"Axminster Carpets is a proud British manufacturer which fully recognises the essential part that its employees play in delivering such exceptional products.  The company is therefore working very closely with its employees whilst it implements a process to streamline its operations in order to make sure it is positioned for a sustainable future.  The company is therefore asking its employees if anyone would like to take the opportunity of voluntary redundancy which may work for both parties. 

"We would like to thank those employees who are impacted by these changes and are sure that their dedication and that of the remaining workforce will ensure the ongoing production of great products whilst the company pushes into new areas. "

Axminster Carpets was put into administration in 2013, with 400 jobs put at risk and a Save Axminster Carpets campaign was launched, but it was later saved.

The historic carpet supplier, re-launched by Harry Dutfield in 1937, has made carpets for royal residences, Wetherspoons, train carriages and airlines.