THE task force set up after LG Philips announced it was closing its Durham factory has already found jobs and training for 75 workers.

LG Philips Displays announced in March that its television tubes factory would close on July 22, with the loss of 761 jobs.

A multi-agency task force was set up, which pledged to have 90 per cent of the workforce either in employment or full-time training by October.

Aly Douglas-Browell, of RightCoutts, the consultants employed to help the workers into new careers, said: "Around ten per cent of the workforce have been resettled.

"We are very encouraged by that, given that the majority of the workforce cannot be released until August.

"Employers are acknowledging the skills of the workforce and are prepared to wait for them."

Her team has had 675 requests from workers about re-training and she expects 20 per cent of the workforce will follow that option.

Another 75 workers are hoping to set up their own businesses and she estimates between another 38 and 75 will retire.

The task force has funding of £785,000 - more than £1,000 for each worker.

Member agencies include Durham County Council, JobCentre Plus, the Learning and Skills Council and the North East Chamber of Commerce.

A jobs fair took place at the plant on Belmont Industrial Estate yesterday.

One of the companies that could provide a lifeline for Philips workers is Exel.

The company is opening a 740,000sq ft centre in Darlington this summer as the base for Argos' home delivery business, Argos Direct. The move will create 700 jobs at the Faverdale East business park.

Brian O'Donoghue, Exel's contract human resources manager, said: "There is quite a good match with this kind of operation and warehousing.

"People coming from manufacturing backgrounds such as this will fit quite well into a typical warehouse."

Other blue-chip companies recruiting at the event included Boots, Dunlop and T-Mobile.

Janet Kelly, from JobCentre Plus, said: "The workers have a wonderful set of transferable skills and would be a great asset to any company."

More than 600 workers attended the event and most were confident of finding work.

Wayne Williams, of Brandon, near Durham, a team leader, said: "I have been here ten-and-a-half years, so it is a long time since I have updated my CV.

"It has been worthwhile and I am confident that I will get something."

The event was launched by the Three Legends from Century FM - Malcolm Macdonald, Bernie Slaven and Eric Gates.

LG Philips Workers who were unable to attend the event can contact JobCentre Plus on 0845 6060 234.