JOBS could be under threat at a Woodsetton brewery that has been hit by an industry-wide CO2 shortage.

The gas, which puts the fizz into beer, is in short supply as a number of fertiliser plants in the UK and across Europe have closed for maintenance.

Holden's Brewery, which uses six tonnes of the gas each week to bottle around 250,000 beers, ran out last Friday and bosses have no idea when supplies will be replenished.

Operations director, Mark Hammond, said: "We have got a production line that can't operate. We've stored the beer in tanks but it will only last so long.

"We've got 25 staff that haven't got anything to do at the moment. We're being honest and transparent with them. If it goes on much longer, we'll have to look at taking measures to preserve the business in the long term.

"It's not what anyone wants to hear but it is out of our hands. This is the first time in 75 years that a supplier has made us stop production."

Production manager, Jon Moore, added: "If there was light at the end of the tunnel, we could look forward but we're now two weeks into having no CO2 and we're still in the dark. Morale is suffering.

"Due to the short notice it was difficult to react but we will be putting a plan to put in place to alleviate this in the future."

Concerned about the impact the shortage has had on the business, Dudley North MP Ian Austin stood up in Parliament last week to ask Prime Minister Teresa May for a plan of action.

He said: "Everyone knows that Black Country brewers brew the best beer in Britain. Holden's have been bottling beer continuously for 75 years, even through the war.

"But along with other producers, they've had to cease production because of the European CO2 shortage.

"What's the Government doing to sort this out?"

Mrs May said it was "predominantly a commercial matter for the companies affected", adding: "I am aware of the reports of shortages across Europe, and I know that industry is working on the solution.

"Although it is an issue for industry, the Government are in regular contact with the UK producer, distribution and consumer companies and trade associations, including those in the food and drink sector.

"I am sure that all those involved are working hard to ensure that his aim can be achieved."