THE axe is set to fall on jobs at Blackburn-based TDS Circuits after it revealed its biggest customer was cutting orders.

The firm saw its shares dramatically collapse on the stock market - at one point yesterday afternoon more than halving - after making the announcement.

The firm, which employs around 200 people at its Whitebirk factories, said it was implementing "a substantial reduction in headcount" but bosses at the company were today unavailable to comment further on the exact number involved.

Shares

"We've heard it is at least 20 but don't know any more than that. Our representatives at the factory are meeting with management on Tuesday to discuss the situation," said Jim Bowie of the Transport and General Workers Union. Shares in the company fell after it issued a statement that Zincocelere, the firm's biggest shareholder and customer, could not "continue to place orders with TDS Circuits at the past levels" because of market conditions.

Almost half of last year's sales by the firm were to Zincocelere - which was bought earlier this year by a subsidiary of an American circuit board firm.

Meanwhile 14 jobs are set to go at outdoor clothing company Karrimor after a restructuring which will see the handling of a number of brands acquired last year transferred to Benetton.

Chief executive David Heys stressed the redundancies may not all be compulsory and that were staff were currently being consulted about the situation.

Backed

"Hopefully we will know by the end of the week."

Last year an Italian firm backed by the giant clothing family Benetton bought a controlling stake in the Clayton-le-Moors firm which employs around 350 people.

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