WORKERS at one of the oldest chairmakers in the country will sacrifice pay and go down to a three-day week as the credit crunch continues to hit local businesses.

HJ Berry, of Chipping, has seen no member of staff sacked for at least 60 years.

And the average length of service for employees is 22 years.

And now the loyalty of the 85-strong workforce has proven second to none as many of the workers put the survival of the company before their own pay packets.

Managing director John Woodruffe said: “Though this is a fragile time for us, we know that the work we have put in over 2008 will pay off and it will be business as usual soon enough.

“I expect to keep most of my staff during this time, though one or two of the younger members of the team may leave.

“The main reason my staff are willing to stick with us through the temporary arrangement, is because they know the company is on the verge of growth, we are all very optimistic.”

HJ Berry was founded in 1840 and bosses say it has strived to always stay one step ahead of its competitors.

The firm, which specialises in chipping, is renown for it’s high quality production of chairs, tables and stools made from sustainable British timber.

Mr Woodruffe added: “The workforce here are experienced and highly skilled, so I have to make sure I bring in the best people when the time is right.

“Even though we have had to make work cutbacks, the staff are excited about the new products and literature we will be launching in 2009.”

The firm is expecting to lose 25 members of staff in five years to retirement.