A total of 21 staff has been laid off at HWP, just three weeks after a massive fire swept through the company.The “financial impact of the fire” on August 8 is being blamed for the job losses as the company struggles to bounce back after the blaze, which destroyed the company's body and paint shop and showrooms on St John's Road, Pembroke.Staff affected include body and paint technicians and administrative staff.However, the laid-off staff will be offered alternative employment strategies. It is the hope of bosses that staff members could be “brought back” if new employment options arise at HWP.Jonathan Brewin, president and CEO of HWP, expressed regret but said the decision had been unavoidable in the circumstances.Economy Minister Kim Wilson today said she assured Mr Brewin and HWP chairman Don McKenzie that Government is "prepared to assist" all staff made redundant.“It is terribly regrettable particularly in these tough economic times to see anyone lose their job," she said.“Additionally today, the acting director of Labour and Training met with HWP human resources' personnel, and a coordinated effort is underway to ensure that all employees affected by the redundancies register with the Department of Labour and Training. Simply put, the Government remains committed to lending support to all those affected by this unfortunate tragedy.”Customers and the public can contact the HWP customer service hotline at 295-5000.