A MANUFACTURER which is shedding half its workforce could get financial help from regional development agency One NorthEast.

Elementis Chromium, in Eaglescliffe, Teesside, announced last month it was making more than half of its 230 workforce redundant as part of a cost cutting programme.

ONE held crisis talks with Elementis managers yesterday and said it was looking at ways of helping the company financially.

A ONE spokesman said: "One NorthEast has had discussions with Elementis Chromium's senior management regarding the plant's future. In particular, we are looking at where we may be able to support capital projects in order to ensure the Eaglescliffe site remains competitive."

Managers said it was unlikely that any of the 120 job cuts at the factory can be saved. However, any help from ONE could help secure the remaining jobs.

David Raw, Elementis' technical director, said: "There are some things that One NorthEast can do for the business to help secure its long-term future, but they will not necessarily protect the jobs that are at risk."

The T&G and Amicus unions have launched a campaign to save the jobs and are meeting with Elementis today. The workforce recently voted in favour of industrial action in protest over the job losses.