The 14 job loses all come from the administration and accounts area with the bulk of these people given until the end of July to leave the company.

While Reliance will continue to operate 14 BP petrol stations and 10 depots in the Central West, the company will run the administration from its Melbourne office.

According to Westoil general manger Merv Bilske, who is yet to hear if he has a future with the company, staff knew of the impending job loses ahead of time and were relieved that they were not forced to leave the company immediately following yesterday’s announcement

“They had been kept informed about what was happening and they have known that this was happening since last year,” he said.

Of the staff who were retrenched nine were women and two of them are over 60-years old.

According to Reliance Petroleum’s general manager of acquisitions and integration Geoff Gruebner, who visited Orange to make the announcement, a company which specialises in helping retrenched workers find employment has been employed to help the workers.

Those that were retrenched will be offered help with their CVs and given additional assistance in sourcing employment.

Counselling will also be offered to workers who find the transition particularly difficult.

Reliance employs more than 250 staff in the Central West and Sydney regions.

“We are committed to the Central West, this is simply a back office move and is all about creating efficiencies in our business,” said Mr Gruebner.

“Customers won’t notice any changes just a different name on their invoices or receipts.

“People here can expect the same great service they’ve always had.”