Anger over job losses at LG Philips

UNION leaders today urged an electronics firm to reconsider plans to shift production to China because of the 'devastating' loss of 800 jobs.

Amicus said LG Philips was to close its plant in Durham by July and the move would hit the North East economy hard. The company has said that the future of the factory, which makes television tubes, was under review.

Peter Skyte, national officer of Amicus, said: 'This is devastating news for a loyal workforce and a bodyblow to the local economy. It demonstrates the complete lack of investment by the LG and Philips joint venture and other companies in future technologies in the UK. The fact is it is quicker, cheaper and easier to axe British workers than those elsewhere.'

Davey Hall, regional secretary of Amicus, said: 'This is disastrous news for the region. LG Philips are a major employer with an established and loyal workforce that have helped make them a global leader.

'LG Philips have failed to adapt or invest in new technology. We would urge the company to consider investing in their facilities and employees in the North East and rethink their decision to switch production to China.'

The company, a joint venture between Korea's LG and Dutch giant Philips, closed a plant in Newport, South Wales in 2003 with the loss of 870 jobs.