Hundreds of workers at one of the south's flagship companies have today been told they will lose their jobs.

Workers at Vestas, which has plants in Southampton and the Isle of Wight were this morning called into hear the shock news that the company is closing down its operations in the UK.

The company that employs up to 500 people in the Isle of Wight and around 200 at their Woolston plant gave employees three months notice before they would be made redundant.

In a statement to staff bosses said: "Subject to appropriate consultation we are proposing to cease our production operations at Vestas Blades UK Ltd and are proposing to close the business as a result."

The company, which manufactures wind turbines, blamed the economic downturn and lack of demand across Europe for the drastic move.

Staff were called to simultaneous meetings at the plants at Newport and Merlin Quay at Woolston at 7.30am this morning where they were told their jobs were gone.

One worker who asked not to be named said: "The atmosphere was sombre to say the least. I have to say I was close to tears at one point. Although there had been rumours we never thought this would happen. They have been a fantastic company to work for but this is just devastating."

Despite the threat of job cuts at the Isle of Wight, the company has pledged to continue investing in the development centre at the plant.

News of the job cuts comes just days after the British government announced a huge investment in wind power technology.

Along with the job cuts in Hampshire almost 2,000 employees were being made redundant in Denmark, where the company is based.