MORE than 350 jobs are likely to go after the troubled textile industry was hit by yet another body blow.

Management at Courtaulds Ladieswear yesterday began consultations with employees and unions on whether it had any "realistic alternatives" to the closure of its Peterlee stitching operation in County Durham.

The factory, which employs about 570, has faced growing pressure from low-cost imports, with Courtaulds blaming increasing pressure for lower high street prices.

Along with the 300 direct jobs lost in production, a further 70 employees in the pressing and cutting operations are likely to be affected.

That would leave only about 200 workers employed at the factory's warehouse.

John McClure, general manager of Courtaulds Ladieswear, said: "I am sorry to make this proposal but we must recognise the competitive pressures we face.

"The highly competitive nature of our market means that we can see no alternative. If the closure proposals is confirmed, our human resources team will help employees find alternative work or retraining."

Many workers were shocked by the news and union leaders vowed to fight to retain some production at the site.

Val Scott, organiser for the GMB union, said: "The workers expected the worst when no new work came in over the past fortnight.

"But it was still a shock when the announcement came. We will be meeting again with management on Monday and we will be doing everything in our power to try to save the company.