THREE quarters of the workers who have left Colne's biggest company prior to its closure have managed to find other jobs.

Of the 350-strong workforce at Lear Corporation, formerly John Cotton, 203 have already left and of those 150 have found new jobs.

The staff still left at the Waterside plant will gradually be let go as the factory shuts down.

County councillor Frank McKenna, deputy leader of the county council, said he is delighted with the success to date of a training programme introduced at the firm to help redundant workers back into employment.

"While we were disappointed that Lear decided to transfer production to the Midlands to be closer to its clients in the automotive industry, we wanted to work with the company to help safeguard the future of its employees," said Coun McKenna.

"The counselling and training support we were able to finance with Lear has made a difference to the lives of many of the former workers."

As part of the support programme, funded by the county council through its jobs creation arm Enterprise plc, a series of job searches and interview workshops took place at the factory and an on-site jobs shop was opened. The welfare rights service also provided counselling.

Among those who have got back into work is Tony Moore who ran the job shop and helped dozens of his workmates find other jobs. He has just started a new career with the Employment Service at Nelson Jobcentre.

"I enjoyed helping my friends to find a new job and I believe I have now found my true vocation in life," he said.

"When Lear announced its decision to close in Colne I thought I would be on the other side of the counter at the Jobcentre. Now I have a new career to look forward to, doing work I really enjoy."

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