THE Government was last night accused of turning its back on manufacturing in the region after it emerged that a further 170 workers were to lose their jobs.

The latest blow brings the number of people forced out of work this year to more than 1,400.

Strong criticism was levelled at the Government by a director at the Wearside plant of microwave maker LG Electronics, which is expected to close in August.

Bosses at the Korean-owned factory said competition from China had forced the decision.

Geoff Hood, head of human resources, said: "We have achieved exceptional performances with our workforce, with the fastest microwave production in the world, but we cannot compete with China.

"There is no way this economy can survive without getting our manufacturing base back. The Government does not do anything to support us, which is incredible considering the Prime Minister lives up here."

The company will undergo a statutory 90-day consultation exercise, but admitted there was no chance of a change of heart.

Carol McFarlane, regional officer for the Amicus union, echoed concerns about the threat from abroad, saying: "What are the Government doing? I do not think they are listening. The Government must first acknowledge there is a major problem and then deal with it."

Joyce Quin, Labour MP for Gateshead East and Washington West, said she was alarmed to hear of the closure and would be meeting management to discuss it.

She said it would be wrong to ignore what the Government had done for manufacturing - a stable economy, the creation of regional development agencies, and incentives to companies to set up in deprived areas.

Martin O'Neill, chairman of the trade and industry select committee, said the closure was a symptom of a "global, not a national, problem".