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 the world's largest microwave maker, LG Electronics, which is expected to close in August.

In an all-too familiar story, 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."

Workers at the Washington plant earn an average £220 a week, compared with Chinese competitors who pay their staff £20 per week.

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

Workers were devastated by the news. One employee, Keith Carledge, said: "I am very upset and am still trying to absorb the news. I do not know where to go from here."

LG follows microwave manufacturers Sanyo and Samsung, which also pulled out of the region after failing to find a competitive base.

Mr Hood said LG Electronics' parent company had invested £500,000 in the Washington plant four months ago in a bid to keep it open, but without success.

The Government was blamed for failing to appreciate the size of the threat posed by the Far East.

Carol McFarlane, regional officer for the Amicus union, echoed concerns about the threat from abroad.

She said: "All the unions are dealing with is closure and redundancies on a daily basis.

"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 does look a very bleak situation, but I will be wanting to find out if there is any alternative to the factory closing altogether."

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.

She said: "The Government cannot provide answers to all the problems created by the international economic environment."

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

He said: "There has been a major industrial revolution in China within the last five years and it is putting the whole of Western manufacturing at risk, not just Britain's.

"It means that the goods this factory is producing can be produced in the Far East at a far lower cost than when it opened. You can't stop the tide when it's flowing against you.