This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/tyne/7833377.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Jobs axed at frozen food factory Jobs axed at frozen food factory
(about 3 hours later)
More than 350 people will be made redundant at a frozen food factory on Tyneside, administrators have said.More than 350 people will be made redundant at a frozen food factory on Tyneside, administrators have said.
Newcastle Production, which runs Findus Food factory in Longbenton, announced it had major cash flow problems only a week after it was gutted by a blaze.Newcastle Production, which runs Findus Food factory in Longbenton, announced it had major cash flow problems only a week after it was gutted by a blaze.
Administrators, Zolfo Cropper, said that redundancies had to be made because of the amount of damage caused by the fire.Administrators, Zolfo Cropper, said that redundancies had to be made because of the amount of damage caused by the fire.
A task force has been set up to help those affacted find new jobs.
The GMB union said it was devastating news and families would struggle.The GMB union said it was devastating news and families would struggle.
Chris Preston, GMB organiser, said: "GMB members who are losing their jobs are victims of the private equity craze and the credit crunch that resulted from irresponsibility in the financial markets." Organiser Chris Preston said: "GMB members who are losing their jobs are victims of the private equity craze and the credit crunch that resulted from irresponsibility in the financial markets."
'Prospective purchasers' 'Future options'
Simon Wilson, partner at Zolfo Cropper, said that they still hoped to sell the company.Simon Wilson, partner at Zolfo Cropper, said that they still hoped to sell the company.
"We have been encouraged by the level of interest shown by prospective purchasers of Newcastle Production and we are continuing to explore all options for the business. A response group has been set up by North Tyneside Council to lead efforts to support the 359 made redundant.
"We remain confident that a sale can be achieved, however, as a result of a fire on site, the facility is currently closed whilst damage and options are assessed. It will include regeneration agency One NorthEast, Jobcentre Plus and Business and Enterprise North East.
"Unfortunately this means that we have had to make the majority of the workforce formally redundant." All staff affected by the announcement are to be invited to a meeting at the factory on January 22 to be briefed by the response team.
The factory produced a range of frozen food products under the Findus brand, including crispy pancakes, ready meals and fishfingers. Elected Mayor John Harrison said: "This is a disappointing announcement for the staff of Findus and the wider community.
"As a council, we have established a response group to both explore future options for this important business and to ensure that all those affected by the company's administration are given as much support as possible."
The factory produced a range of frozen food products under the Findus brand, including crispy pancakes, ready meals and fish fingers.