Workers' shock at job losses

Employees at a North-East food factory have spoken of their shock at the impending 170 job cuts to be made at the site.

The Northern Echo revealed today how Kerry Foods, in Gilesgate Moor, Durham, was making the redundancies as part of a review of operations.

However, the Irish company said there is no long-term threat to the Renny's Lane site, one of 20 of its factories nationwide.

For more on this story, read tomorrow's edition of The Northern Echo

Engine factory set for industrial ballot

Up to 700 workers could take part in a ballot on industrial action at engine maker Cummins' North-East plant as part of an ongoing dispute over pay.

A new pay scale was introduced at the Darlington site last year, which was rejected by workers by a majority of 2 to 1.

Now, a ballot is being organised at the plant, which will take place within the next month, to see if any industrial action will be taken against the company.

Service sector growth

Recent hikes in interest rates have failed to curb growth in the buoyant services sector, new statistics have revealed.

Over 44 per cent of consumer services firms in the UK, like hotels, bars and restaurants, said they had seen increased volumes of business over the past three months - the highest proportion in three years.

The CBI study also revealed that 42 per cent of firms are expecting to continue their performance by predicting good growth in the next quarter.

For more business news, read tomorrow's edition of The Northern Echo