A UNION leader has hit out at Volex Powercord's decision to shed half of its workforce in Leigh.

John Sutherland, the regional industry organiser for the Transport and General Workers Union, slammed the firm for opting for "cheaper labour abroad" in response to the news that the company will be switching work to Mexico, Brazil, Croatia and south-east Asia.

A total of 325 jobs will go at the factory -- more than half of the current 600-strong workforce.

Mr Sutherland said: "The site in Leigh is barely three years old. There's certainly nothing wrong with our members' work there.

"We believe the company are moving the production off-shore to save money by employing cheaper labour abroad."

Employees of Volex Powercords, which is based at Green Fold Way on the Leigh Business Park, were said to be "stunned" by the news of the job losses, which were announced on Wednesday by personnel boss Paul Usher.

The firm has blamed the "competitive market" for the job losses.

Mr Sutherland added: "It has come as a complete shock. We intend to have discussions with the company as soon as possible to determine more detail of the situation."

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