The 48 workers at Chelmsford's City Link depot have been thrown a potential lifeline after it emerged administrators Ernst and Young received a "credible bid" to save part of the business earlier today.
Many of the employees at the Dukes Way industrial estate learned of their likely redundancies on Christmas Day, and were told they would receive their notices today (December 31).
Mick Cash, general secretary of the RMT union, has offered hope to those braced for job losses.
He said: "Within the past 24 hours RMT has been made aware of what we believe to be a credible bid to take over some or all of the City Link trading operation.
"At this stage we have no further details and we understand the matter is in the hands of the administrators, along with the Government. Business Secretary, Vince Cable, is aware of the situation.
"With today key in terms of redundancies, RMT is urging the administrators to suspend the redundancy process and work with the Government and the administrators to urgently evaluate and act on any viable options that could keep City Link trading."
