THIRTY workers have said they are prepared to accept voluntary redundancy as part of a cost-cutting exercise at a North-East factory.

More than 60 jobs are to go at Mono Containers, in Durham City, after the company lost a major contract with German yogurt maker Mller.

Yesterday union officials met bosses to discuss the latest round of jobs cuts, which comes only months after 35 people were made redundant at the end of last year.

Regional officer for the Amicus union Gerry Hunter said half the number to be laid off decided to accept voluntary redundancy.

He said: "We have to do more consultation with the other members.

"I have to ask the company how the redundancies are going to be implemented.

Machinery on the site is being moved to a warehouse.

Part of the site, at Dragonville Industrial Estate, Gilesgate, is being turned into retail units which developers hope will create 200 jobs.

Mono Containers chief executive Mike Davey said: "Unfortunately Mller got a grant from the German Government to manufacture the pots, that we had been doing in-house."