A cosmetics firm boss who told up to 150 people they were losing their jobs said today it was probably the worst day of his career.

Ian McNally, managing director of South African firm COSi, which took over the manufacturing side of the Body Shop's empire two years ago, said some staff broke down in tears.

He had informed the Body Shop's founder, Anita Roddick, and explained why they had announced the workforce cuts but he declined to reveal her response.

He said: "A number of people who have a strong association with this side of the business were deeply affected. They have put in an enormous amount of effort and were hurt."

COSi is closing its site at Wick, Littlehampton, which employs 300 staff who make lipsticks, mascara, face powders, tube products and scrubs.

Mr McNally hopes up to 200 will be re-employed at the company's sites at Watersmead, Littlehampton, and Maesteg in Wales.

He believes 50 could be relocated to Wales, with the another 100 receiving "very generous" redundancy packages.

Mr McNally said rumours that COSi's Watersmead operation, sited at the headquarters of the Body Shop, was also closing were unfounded.

He said: "I went through eight one-hour presentations to the staff. It was a face-to-face presentation by myself and senior management.

"There was obvious disappointment and unhappiness. It wasn't a pleasant day.

"People are back at work. This is a six to nine-month process.

"We have started one-to-one consultations with the key affected staff. We reckon by next week we will have spoken to more than 200 people.

"We are assuming 150 people will be made redundant but that number will be reduced depending on the number of people we re-employ in Wales."

Mr McNally said the firm would continue to employ at least 300 people at Watersmead.