ABOUT 100 jobs are at risk at an engineering company.

The British Engines Group has revealed plans to cut staff numbers across its Newcastle-based BEL Valves and BEL Engineering businesses.

Bosses say up 48 posts at BEL Valves and 46 in BEL Engineering are under threat as the firms battle the troubled oil and gas sector.

They added the divisions, known for making valves for energy pipeline shutdowns and high pressure equipment, must make cost savings to counter the lower oil price.

A spokeswoman said: “While the oil and gas industry has always been cyclical in nature, conditions have remained difficult for longer than anyone predicted. “BEL Valves’ order book has seen a significant reduction, and as one of BEL Engineering’s key customers, this has in turn impacted this business as well.

“We expect market conditions will improve over time and we will continue to prepare the businesses for this by ensuring we have a flexible model, which supports the needs of customers in a competitive way.

“This will ensure we are best placed to capture opportunities when the market recovers.”

The spokeswoman added consultation with staff has now started.

BEL Valves last year revealed plans to create up to 100 North-East jobs in a £15m expansion and saw proposals approved for the £10m Neptune Technology Centre deep-water training hub.