Auto Windscreens has announced 56 of its 259-strong contact centre workforce, on Storforth Lane, Chesterfield, are facing redundancy.

A consultation process is now underway into the restructuring plan, which will also hit other Auto Windscreen centres across the country.

Abu-Haris Shafi, managing director, said: "Auto Windscreens prides itself on being a leading local employer, so to make these redundancies is a decision we have not taken lightly.

"We will be working with local agencies and other Chesterfield employers to do our best to redeploy the colleagues affected."

The company says the long term impact of rising fuel prices and the economic downturn has seen the amount of kilometres travelled on UK roads decrease by a billion since the start of the year and is down 1.6 billion compared to this time in 2007.

This in turn has dramatically reduced the calls for glass replacement coming into Auto Windscreens contact centre.

The company produces 250,000 windscreens a year at its dedicated factory in Chesterfield.

Abu added: "Our business, like so many, is feeling the impact of the credit crisis and soaring fuel prices which have had a knock-on effect in the automotive industry.

"By making these redundancies we will secure the long-term future of the company for colleagues, customers and suppliers."

Auto Windscreens started in Chesterfield nearly 38 years ago and employs nearly 400 people at its head office.

The firm is also seeking to reduce its nationwide fitting centre network from 120 to 98 sites, which will affect 114 positions.

A further eight roles will be affected in the sales and marketing team. Final numbers, however, will be determined during the consultation process.