THE equivalent of one textile factory is closing every day, according to a union which represents thousands of East Lancashire workers.

More than 41,000 jobs have been lost in the industry in the last year alone, according to the National Union of Knitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades.

And the union says the Government has to step in to help.

"We are witnessing job losses on an unprecedented scale," said general secretary Bas Morris.

"The equivalent to a medium sized factory is lost every single day.

"The Government can no longer take a back seat on this issue. They must act now."

KFAT is now seeking an urgent meeting with senior ministers.

"Taxpayers and European money has been ploughed into farming and other sectors. But none of these has suffered as badly as textiles, clothing and footwear.

"Indeed farming has actually increased employment in the last three years.

"It is time the Government took another look at its priorities."

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