The company says it is shedding 140 jobs

In October, American firm Huntsman announced it was shedding the jobs at its Whitehaven site.

It means the plant, which used to employ 2,000 staff will have just 10 workers beyond the end of 2005.

Following talks between the company and unions, the enhanced redundancy package involves 13 weeks' extra pay.

Huntsman spokesman Bill Perfitt said the extra pay offer would be in return for meeting certain safety and environment targets as well as customer requirements and cost reduction.

'Deal with reality'

A heavy duty liquids plant will be kept open at the site beyond the end of 2005, which will have 10 staff.

The redundancies will start in the middle of next year and spread out to the end of 2005.

The staff will consider whether to accept the package over the Christmas holidays.

Ged Caig, from the GMB union, said: "The employees affected have changed their minds.

"I think it's a case of what's been has been, we have to deal with the reality of the situation and the reality is by June 30 we will be losing our jobs, let's get the best deal we can."

He said the redundancies meant the loss of a highly-qualified and highly-skilled skilled workforce and there was a lack of similar jobs elsewhere in the area.