Thanks Clive,
I've actually been here 3 years. I know the decision has been taken purely for financial reasons. An employee from the local area can be given my job for lesser hours and salary.
They may even offer me the part time position, which they know I'll be unable to fulfil as I have to get a 5 hour train journey and an overnight ferry to site.
I appreciate you replies
Thank You
A call to ACAS will be my next move.
Regards
Anders

Thank you for your reply
I work in a remote UK location and have to stay here for 3 weeks, living in. When I say they wish to employ a local, I mean someone who lives within daily commuting distance of the facility. In effect they are making me redundant and not the actual position.