ANOTHER traditional local "industry" takes a severe knock with the announcement today of job losses at three Littlewoods' sites in Bolton. Mail-order long ago took over textiles' place in some local mills, and it's sad to hear that more than 250 permanent jobs will be phased out in 1999.

The home-shopping group says that this is part of a £45 million restructuring and that 400 additional jobs in Oldham will result. The firm hopes to absorb job losses through re-location.

Unfortunately, re-location may not be an option for all workers involved. Many working mothers have found suitable jobs in local mail-order, and they are unlikely to be in a position to travel that distance, in spite of Littlewoods' well-intended offers to soften the blow.

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