The job cuts follow weeks of uncertainty for many of the company's 100 employees, who were stood down five weeks ago because of a lack of work.

Gippsland Aeronautics was forced to cease aircraft production at the Traralgon-based site on 5 February due to a high stock level and the current global financial situation.

Last Tuesday it called for 16 voluntary redundancies, and while there were some, it is believed about 10 of the workers were involuntarily put off. The affected employees were full-time production line workers.

Last week, Gippsland Aeronautics chairman Gary Wight told The Express the decision to put the staff off was not easy.

``It's a very difficult thing and what we've done is given the commitment that once things are up and running again they will be the first to know and be invited back,'' he said.

``They are disappointed but they understand we are trading on the global market and it is very difficult at the moment.''

Mr Wight said those who kept their jobs would return to work progressively within the next two weeks.

He said business was slowly starting to pick up again, but there was ``still a long way to go''.

``Sales enquires are still strong and we are hoping to get some strong orders soon,'' Mr Wight said.

``There are a few in the pipeline and the majority are Australian orders.''

The company has also submitted a tender to create three airvans for the Thai Airforce.

But it is little comfort for those who no longer have jobs.

One redundant worker, who did not want to be named in case their job ever became available again, was feeling ``quite depressed'' about being laid off.

``I didn't volunteer but I was made redundant,'' the worker said.

``I told them I'm willing to go back and do anything.''

The employee had not worked since the beginning of February and said the stress had started to take its toll.

``I just brought a brand new car and I have to find money to pay that off...it's stress I don't really need,'' the worker said.

``I just want another job but without qualifications I don't know what to do.''