In September Northern Foods said 1,060 jobs were going at two pastry plants, including 660 at its Cavaghan and Gray subsidiary in Carlisle.

The company, which makes ready-made meals and Goodfella's pizzas, blamed rising energy prices and increases in the cost of various foods for the move.

Officials from the shop workers union Usdaw want improved pay-off deals.

'Depressing' time

A Cumbria County Council-led task force failed to save the jobs, but union officials are confident they can secure improved redundancy packages for most of those hit by the company's decision.

Usdaw spokesman Mike Brewer said: "This has been a very depressing time for people.

"But throughout the 90-day consultation period we have managed to secure a significantly enhanced package."

He added: "We are also opening up a support centre at the factory for those who are losing their jobs so we can get one-to-one sessions underway."