Hesco lay off 30 workers

Hesco has laid off 30 workers from its Leeds factory Credit: PA

Around 30 workers have been laid off at a factory in Leeds which builds barriers that protect soldiers in war zones like Afghanistan.

Hesco which is based in Leeds has confirmed the move was down to a lull in demand over recent months.

It's the first time in several years it's had to let workers go.

The firm which employs a 180 people was founded by the late businessman Jimi Heselden nearly 30 years ago and its barriers have been protecting British troops since the first Gulf War.