HUNDREDS of people have lost their jobs following the surprise announcement that ATC Lasham has gone into administration.

Staff were informed last week that due to a “significant lack” of business the company would cease trading with immediate effect.

Chris Mildenhall, a former aircraft mechanic at the firm, said that staff were “totally shocked” by the announcement, having turned up to work as normal only to find the doors closed with without warning or explanation.

He added that while he is one of the lucky ones as he has another job others were near to tears on hearing the news that they and their families faced the prospect of hard times ahead.

Mr Mildenhall was sent a letter by the administrators that explained why the decision had been taken to wind up the firm.

It read: “I regret to have to inform you that the company is no longer in a position to make payments to you for services rendered by you. As a result you should regard your contract of employment with the company as terminated.”

Staff were advised to fill out redundancy payment forms and to apply for relevant benefits if they were unable to find a new job “immediately”.

As of Friday, October 2, Nigel Morrison and Richard Lewis of Grant Thornton UK LLP were appointed as administrators to the company.

The business, an independent aircraft maintenance provider, employed 383 staff in three locations in the UK. The principal sites are in Lasham and at Southend Airport.

The company launched in 1994 and in the last financial year turned over £46.6m.

However, the administrators explained that losses were incurred in that period and have continued.

Following the “normal reduction in work” over the summer months, orders have failed to increase to fill the winter programme for 2015/16.

The directors had been seeking additional investment into the business but these discussions ultimately proved unsuccessful.

And the current outlook and forecast cash flow requirements left directors with “no alternative” other than to seek administration.

Grant Thornton advisory partner Nigel Morrison said: “The business is long standing with a highly-skilled workforce and strong reputation in the industry.

“However, given the losses and lack of future orders the directors reached the conclusion they had no option but to proceed with the appointment of administrators.

“Given the low levels of current activity, it’s no longer viable to keep the company in operation following our appointment.

“We have, therefore, unfortunately had to make a significant level of staff redundant, although we have retained sufficient employees to keep necessary industry approvals in place and to deal with administrative matters.

“We will be urgently reviewing options and seeking ways to minimise the potential disruption that may be caused to customers.”

The company’s director, Nicolas Cook, added: “It is with great regret that after 22 years ATC Lasham must cease trading due to the significant lack of work going forward. We would like to thank all the workforce for the constant support and hard work over the years.”

Some staff were present this week at Lasham’s office but declined to comment, apart from to confirm that the company is no longer operating.

Former Lasham employees took to social media to offer support and advice to one another.

A Facebook group called ATC Lasham family has been set up following the announcement where former employees, many of whom have a particular skill set, share potential job offers and memories of their shared past.

“Keep an eye out on this page,” the group’s administrator said.

“Lots of recruitment agencies have been in touch to offer contracts, we have been sharing all the details messaged to us and posted on the page, get yourselves on their books.

“Best of luck everyone.”