A BLACKBURN bus maker could provide an employment lifeline for workers facing the axe at a major truck manufacturer.

Optare, which is based at Whitebirk, Blackburn, confirmed it was in discussions with Leyland Trucks over the possibility of taking on employees affected by proposed redundancies.

Leyland Trucks revealed yesterday it was considering shedding 247 workshop jobs after a slump in demand in the truck sector.

An Optare spokesman said: “We are in discussions with Leyland Trucks and are assisting the company.”

Optare announced last month that it was moving production to the former Corus steel plant at Walker Business Park, Guide, from next year, a move that would safeguard 300 jobs in the process.

The relocation, coupled with consistent demand for buses, means that Optare could absorb some of the proposed losses from Leyland Trucks which could come into affect by February 12 next year.

Jim Sumner, managing director of Leyland Trucks, said: “We are also working very closely with a number of local employers to actively seek job opportunities for affected employees.

“One example is Optare plc., one of the most respected names in the UK bus and coach industry with an annual turnover of over £90m.

"They are experiencing sustained high levels of demand for their hybrid low emissions buses.

“This has led to an immediate requirement for assembly operators, with further opportunities in March next year at their new plant in Blackburn.

"We have arranged for Optare to use our on site facilities to interview interested personnel.”

According to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd demand for buses, especially double deckers, is growing rapidly and boosting manufacturers such as Optare in the process.