WORKERS yesterday spoke of their shock at impending job losses at a food factory.

The Northern Echo broke the news that Kerry Foods planned to make up to 170 job cuts at its Durham factory as part of an ongoing review of operations.

Factory bosses told its 540 staff of the redundancies on Wednesday afternoon and a consultation process with the shop workers' union Usdaw began.

A spokesman for Kerry Foods said the job losses were regrettable, but necessary for the business to continue operating efficiently.

He also stressed that there was no threat to the long-term future of the factory in Gilesgate Moor, which makes chilled food products.

Cleaner Rose Canalli, 26, said her job appeared safe, but her 32-year-old husband, Alex, who works in the manufacturing unit, had been told he was to lose his job.

The couple, who have a six-year-old son, emigrated from Brazil and settled in Durham seven years ago.

Mrs Canalli said: "It's terrible. My husband is losing his job, but I'm keeping mine.

"We heard rumours about job losses just recently and it was awful when we heard the news."

Data analyst Andrew Waters, who has been with the company for little over a year, told The Northern Echo that he was unsure whether his job at the factory was safe.

"I don't know yet whether I'm losing my job but I've been made redundant twice before and I suspect this will be the third time," said the 24-year-old from Consett.

"But, I can understand what the firm is doing, closing a loss- making part of the business to keep the rest open."

A job centre has been set up within the factory to help find alternative employment for those affected by the cuts.

Kerry Foods said some staff may be redeployed.