THERE are fears a Taunton travel and events office could close with the loss of 128 jobs due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Capita Travel and Events, based at Blackbrook Park Avenue, near the M5, is consulting with all 128 employees over their futures.

They are among 200 members of staff across the whole country at risk of being made redundant.

A Capita spokesperson said: "We are always reviewing our services and operations to ensure we support our clients and their customers in the best possible way.

"The impact of Covid-19 on the business travel, meetings and events industries has been substantial.

"As a result, we have had to carry out a review of our Capita Travel and Events business and its services and are now looking to reduce the size of the business in alignment with current and forecasted volume of business for the foreseeable future across our industries.

"We have entered a consultation process with all employees in the business and are supporting and working closely with colleagues affected by this decision."

Where possible, the company will try to offer workers losing their jobs the chance to redeploy elsewhere in the company.

The travel and events industry has been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

There has been a huge reduction in demand due to lockdown and the risk and uncertainty in terms of travelling and face-to-face meetings.