WORKERS at a North-East cigarette maker have only a remote chance of finding similar jobs in the area when the factory closes next year, their union has warned.

Despite British American Tobacco (BAT) doing "everything possible" to help its 490 employees find other jobs, experts say the chances of them finding equivalent work with similar salaries and benefits is unlikely.

Since the closure of the Rothmans plant, in Darlington, was announced in June a contingency group was formed by BAT, the local council, Darlington MP Alan Milburn and other agencies, to try to help the employees.

Tom Roberts, from BAT, said there were 120 temporary positions available at its Southampton plant, which 160 people at Darlington were interested in.

Three apprentices and one other employee have already transferred to the company's Corby plant, in Northamptonshire, but Mr Roberts said they would not expect further transfers until workforce consultations have been completed. BAT has employed Coutts consultants to help its Darlington workers into other jobs, retraining, self-employment and retirement.

He said: "Job Centre Plus is on site, we are providing IT training with the Learning and Skills Council through Darlington College at the plant. We want to do everything possible to make sure the employees are supported through this."

Amicus MSF regional officer, Gerry Hunter said that BAT is doing as much as it can to lessen the impact of closure but fears it will not be easy for those facing redundancy.

He said: "These jobs were in the upper quartile with the benefits package, salaries and pensions. That will be very difficult to replace. The chances of these employees finding equivalent positions is, I would say, remote."

John Orchard, director of Marchday Group, which owns the Rothmans site, said that Tees Valley Regeneration is involved in commissioning a study into using the buildings for alternative businesses.

Darlington Borough Council leader John Williams, said: "We need a range of diverse businesses in the Darlington economy, so if one sector has difficulties it doesn't affect the economy disproportionately as the Rothmans closure has done."