A JOB shop will be set up at an East Lancashire factory as it prepares to close, in a bid to find the 550 workers new employment.

Bosses at Leoni Wiring Systems, Pickup Street, Accrington, formerly known as Lucas Rists, are liaising with Hyndburn Borough Council, the local job centre, Accrington and Rossendale College and other agencies to find alternative jobs.

Workers wept when they were told on Thursday that the factory, which is one of Hyndburn's biggest employers, was to finally close in November.

Leoni UK's wiring division marketing manager Chris Watkin today said: "The run-down of the factory won't start until September and then it will be a three-month gradual process so it maximises the time for the employees to find alternative employment.

"We will establish a job shop on site and are working very closely with the job centre, local employers and other agencies.

"We will be giving guidance on writing job applications, CVs and interview techniques."

Business manager at Accrington Job Centre Doreen Eastwood said: "We are going up to the company next week and we will do everything we can to make sure the workers get fixed up with other jobs.

"We will speak to other East Lancashire employers about whether they can offer work and a job shop will be set up on site which will display vacancies and give advice and guidance. "We are very concerned and will do all we can to help. There are families and people who have worked there a very long time so we know the trauma they are going through.

"It is a major blow for the people working there and we are not underestimating the size of the task."

Marketing team leader at Accrington and Rossendale College Karen Coupe said: "We have a business development team and when we have anything like this we go into the company and offer people any help with retraining skills.

"Special courses will be set up and will be free in many cases or at greatly reduced fees.

"We have already been up to the company and will go back again."

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said the news of the closure was "devastating".

He added: "I met with senior management at the site and have stressed to them that the council will do all that it can to try and help the company find alternative employment for people working there.

"Right now the number one priority is to find ways of helping the workforce to get other suitable jobs, and we'll be doing all that we can to ensure that local employers and training agencies are brought together to do just that.

"Although this is never an easy task, Leoni employees have the advantage of being widely recognised in the area as well trained and motivated workers.

"Over the years, those working at the company have established an outstanding reputation based on their skill levels, commitment and determination to achieve. I have no doubt that this will stand them in good stead and that other local employers will be keen to take on that experience."