Sanyo to axe 284 UK jobs

Sanyo, the consumer electronics company, has confirmed plans to cut 284 workers at its County Durham microwave plant.

Workers at the Newton Aycliffe factory are pinning their hopes on last ditch buy-out talks but, as things stand, all but a few needed to maintain the site will be out of work in November.

However, talks are being held with a prospective buyer which is thought to be interested in continuing to run the operation as a going concern with a staff of 150 including the present management.

David Simpson, managing director of Sanyo Electronic Manufacturing UK, told Newcastle-based newspaper The Journal: "It is very early days and too early to talk about saving jobs. When we are in a position to report on any progress, we will do so.

"We will continue production until 2 November, and keep the factory maintained with a few members of staff with a view to selling the plant."