WORKERS at five Gwent care homes could see their jobs axed after their troubled owner announced it was shedding up to 3,000 staff.

The Argus has previously reported how Southern Cross Healthcare Group, whose 750 UK care homes include Red Rose Nursing and The Rookery in Ebbw Vale, Millview House and Lodge in Newbridge, St Dunstans in Pontypool, and Sedbury Park in Chepstow, was facing an uncertain future after losing £300 million in six months.

The firm was thrown a lifeline last week after striking a deal with landlords to defer 30 per cent of its payments from June to September, but there was bad news yesterday when the company announced plans to cut 3,000 jobs.

A statement from Southern Cross, which employs a total of 44,000 staff and cares for 31,000 residents, said the cuts were designed to address “levels of staff effectiveness” as part of an overall programme to improve its operations.

A spokeswoman for the firm said yesterday they did not yet know which homes would lose staff, but that all those affected would be offered guidance and support.

Home managers, deputy managers, relief managers, activity coordinators and administrators will not be directly affected by the proposed job cuts.

The firm said a process of consultation has now begun.

Chief executive of Southern Cross Jamie Buchan said: “We are engaging with colleagues to put in place the best possible staffing model for our future needs.”