Chester staffing firm cuts 261 jobs

Chester-based AdvantaStaff has notified the state that it will lay off 261 employees.

Employees at the staffing services company were notified last week, and the cuts will take effect on June 5.

The company is one of Chesterfield's top 25 employers, listed eighth in an annual economic impact survey the county released last month. Its workforce was listed in the 500- to 999-employee range. The company ranks right after Bon Secours Richmond Health System.

AdvantaStaff President Christine Chandler said she would not answer questions about the layoffs and addressed the cuts through the following written statement:

"A primary customer recently advised AdvantaStaff it will significantly decrease its demand as of June 5, 2009. AdvantaStaff must in turn reduce its workforce to match the lowered demand for services. Though the need for layoffs is sudden and unexpected, AdvantaStaff acted quickly to give affected employees as much notice as possible. We regret the need to make these workforce changes and appreciate the value and loyalty of all our employees."

The company says on its Web site that it provides staffing and project management services to leading manufacturing and industrial companies in Virginia.

Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce President Lenita Gilreath said, "It's sad to see things like that happen. It trickles down to everyone."

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