A RESCUE package could save up to 150 of the jobs which are due to be lost at a Bolton clothing firm. As reported in the BEN, 190 jobs will go at the Dannimac factory in Great Lever. But urgent negotiations organised by the GMB union have brought new hope for the skilled clothing machinists.

Manufacturing at the Dannimac division of Baird Outerwear Brands Ltd on Fletcher Street is expected to end in June.

But Dannimac have agreed to allow other North West clothing firms to hold recruitment sessions at the premises.

GMB Bolton branch secretary Graham Wells said: "There are some very positive signs.

"A number of textile employers have told us they want to recruit skilled machinists.

"With the co-operation of Dannimac we expect firms will come in and interview prospective staff."

Mr Wells added: "The signals are hopeful. Pretty much all the machinists who want to retain a job in the textile industry could get one."

That would represent about 150 members of the workforce.

The union has been told that a pressing and warehousing operation will remain at Fletcher Street, employing about 25 people.

Mr Wells said: "There is no getting away from the fact that what has happened at Dannimac is a crying shame, but at least there is some new hope for these skilled workers now."

Firms expected to recruit have not been named by the GMB.

Dannimac's parent company William Baird plc will transfer manufacturing to the Far East.

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