HI-TEC firms in the North-west have been urged to recruit skilled workers being made redundant by Via Systems in Whitefield.

The appeal was made by Bury South MP Ivan Lewis after he visited the firm on Monday in the wake of the American owners' announcement of its closure with the loss of more than 90 jobs.

The Labour backbencher said after meeting management and workforce: "The decision to close the plant appears irreversible. It is frustrating that, despite a highly skilled and loyal workforce, advanced technology and recent trading success, the current site does not meet the present or future requirements of the business.

"It is a sad sign of the times that decisions with such serious implications can be taken by parent companies which have little or no regard for the impact on the local workforce or local economy. It is true that some will be given the option of relocation to the company's Tamworth plant, but people are understandably reluctant to move away from family and friends.

"I would appeal to all businesses seeking highly skilled and committed workers to make contact with the management of Via Systems. It would be a tragedy if these workers were not given the opportunity of utilising their talents for the benefit of the local economy."

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