The council says it can offer more choice if it closes the print works

Castleham Industries, based in Hastings, is run by East Sussex County Council as part of an employment programme for disabled people.

But the council says it can offer a wider range of alternatives if it closes the print works.

It says the move is in line with government policy to move away from factory placements in institutional settings.

But employees say they are disappointed because they are happy working at the plant and do not want to leave.

'We're like a family'

Tracy Hudson, who works at Castleham Industries, said: "Everybody knows their disability. We're like a family there.

"It's very hard for us to find jobs outside. We just get on so well - we love working there.

"We like going in every day and it's something for us to look forward to do every day as a job."

Union representatives said news of the closure had come as a shock to a group of vulnerable people.

Workers say it is hard for them to find a job outside the plant

Tony Watson, of Unison, said: "It's fine if you can actually get them out into the community and into jobs.

"Our argument is that given that they've only been given 90 days in which to do this.

"They won't be able to do that and there are some of that group who will not be able to work in mainstream."

The council said everyone at Castleham would be offered guaranteed new work placements.

But the workers have said they are losing more than just a job.