WORKERS at one of Radcliffe's biggest employers Adams face an uncertain future after reports that it could be the subject of a £1.4 billion bid.

But bosses of the company formerly known as Halls, based at Dumers Lane, have dismissed the sale claims as rumour and speculation.

The Radcliffe site is best known for its world famous Hall's "Mentho Lyptus" cough sweets, and employs around 350 workers.

International news agency Reuters have reported that confectionery and drinks group giant Cadbury Schweppes is preparing the bid for the chewing gum and cough sweets arm of Pfizer, which was behind a £58 billion takeover of Adams' parent company Warner-Lambert two years ago.

But Sally Goodenough, media officer for Pfizer, said: "With regards to Adams being put up for sale, this is no more than rumour and speculation. Pfizer supports its consumer group and all businesses and brands within it."

However, the husband of one factory worker, said: "My wife came across the report on the Internet and it was a shock to her.

"The workforce hasn't been told anything and obviously it's a bit of a worry. Nothing has been said officially by the company and she doesn't know what to think."

Workers are already waiting to find out if a proposed multi-million pound new factory near to the existing Dumers Lane site will get the go-ahead.

Adams announced the development last year but Pfizer are not expected to decide on the scheme until June at the earliest. Adams is attempting to cut its manufacturing volume at Radcliffe by 15 per cent and transfer production to Canada, closer to the USA, its most successful overseas market.

Halls was originally established by Norman and Thomas Hall at Cross Lane, Radcliffe, in 1883. The company started out making jams and soap and moved into boiled sweets market in 1924. Three years later, the "Mentho Lyptus" brand was launched.