WORKERS at a doomed TV tubes factory made sure the plant's last few months were the most productive, it was revealed last night.

Despite uncertainty over their futures, LG Philips' Durham 761 staff broke productivity records before the factory shut last month.

The news came as the LG Philips taskforce, which was set up earlier this year to help retrain workers, and find them new jobs, announced its third jobs fair at the plant.

More than a quarter of the workforce are taking holidays this month and will begin actively looking for jobs in September.

Of those who have been looking for work, 34 per cent have been resettled through the taskforce.

As well as the jobs fairs, there has been a skills analysis of every worker, many of whom have undergone further training. About 170 are receiving training to drive lorries or forklift trucks.

Later this month, the first grants from the £40,000 LG Philips Displays Enterprise Fund - supported equally by the company and Business Link - will be made to employees who have decided to go it alone, to support them in the early stages of launching their businesses.

Plant director David Coppock said: "So far, we have had a great response from local employers who recognise the skills of the workforce and have been prepared to work with us to take people on. I hope this continues next week."

Any of the region's employers who are recruiting at present are urged to attend the next jobs fair at the plant on Wednesday next week. It has been organised by RightCoutts.

Two similar events, which were attended by 60 employers, played a significant part in helping more than 200 of the plant's employees resettle into new jobs or training for a career change and the organisers hope this event will be equally successful.

To book a place or for details call Matt Bowmaker on 0191-386 6131, extension 3510.