STUNNED staff at a Bolton clothing factory have been left reeling by the news that 190 jobs face the axe.

Union officials have started urgent talks with bosses at Baird Outerwear Brands Ltd, better known as Dannimac Ltd.

No redundancy notices have been issued yet, but company officials have confirmed they expect about 190 jobs to be lost.

Graham Wells, General Municipal and Boilermakers (GMB) Bolton branch secretary, said: "The work force was in shock when the announcement was made. They weren't expecting anything like this."

The Fletcher Street factory operates as the Dannimac division of Baird Outerwear Brands Ltd, which is part of William Baird plc.

Under the plans, Baird will transfer manufacturing of coats to the Far East.

A spokesman said: "We are sad and extremely regretful about the announcement we have had to make.

"In all we anticipate that 190 jobs will be lost. We plan to have discussions with other companies in the garment manufacturing industry with a view to providing alternative employment for our employees."

"We are currently consulting with the GMB and individual employees." Baird have blamed the plans to cease production at Bolton on "unacceptably high training costs" and the fact that "affordable rates of pay" do not attract labour from an "apparently diminishing pool".

About 220 people work at Fletcher Street. It is understood that the firm may keep the premises open, possibly as a warehouse with a small staff.

Mr Wells said: "Although no one has actually got a formal notice yet, the work force is under a black cloud.

"It is frightening to see what is happening in the clothing industry. We need help from the Government so we can compete with places like the Far East on a level playing field."

A meeting between company bosses and union officials will be held on May 1.

The announcement follows the news that Horwich Sewing Ltd was closing with the loss of more than 200 jobs which will be relocated to Eastern Europe.

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