Jack Frost, which has served the island for 43 years, is to close.

Management at the firm based in Braddan are blaming a change in circumstances as the catalyst for the decision.

Assistant manager Gary Cain said: ’If nothing changes we’ll have to close on Feburary 16 and to be honest, I don’t think think we’ll still be going after then.’

The company lost a large government contract to supply food to the hospital, schools and prisons which management said ’forced’ the company to consider the future.

The decision leaves workers for the company at risk and former meals on wheels recipitents who switched to the company facing yet more uncertainty.

Following the Department of Health and Social Care's controversial decision to cease funding former supplier Age Concern, Jack Frost had only began delivering to former recipients three weeks ago.

The DHSC have said the department is ’committed to supporting all those receiving a meal delivery service from Jack Frost, which has announced it is to cease trading.

’The department has been in contact with the company and is able to confirm that letters will go out with all deliveries next week advising recipients to contact Adult Social Care for further advice and support.’

Minister David Ashford MHK said in a statement: ’While I am, of course, sorry that Jack Frost is to close, I know the Department is already acting swiftly in helping to ensure people know how to get in touch, and supporting them as required.

’Staff from the Adult Social Care team have information to hand to support everyone affected by this news and I urge anyone who is concerned, as well as their families, to get in touch.’

He told Isle of Man Newspapers that ’Adult Social Care Team will help vulnerable people locate a new provider, we don’t want anyone falling through the cracks’.

People who previously received a service from Age Concern and now receive it from Jack Frost are urged to call the Adult Services Access team on 686179 (option 1).