The Samsung plant is due to close in April

Electronics giant Samsung announced the closure of its Teesside plant with the loss of 420 jobs last week.

An extensive package to help Samsung workers find new work in the North East was set up in response to the closure announcement.

The Samsung Project Group - a body comprising public sector agencies set up to bring maximum assistance to Samsung employees - said Job Centre Plus hope to set up an office on site next week.

Rapid Response Funding has been secured from the government to allow a comprehensive package to be put before workers, including access to training, education and the latest local and regional job opportunities.

Local employers

Samsung said it had already been contacted by a dozen North East firms in the engineering, electronics and service industries, keen to take on Samsung staff.

George Garlick, Samsung Project Group chairman, said: "A skills audit of the workforce will be undertaken by Job Centre Plus and the Learning and Skills Council to match people to the latest suitable employment vacancies.

"Working together as public sector agencies with Samsung, we are confident that Samsung employees have the skills that local employers demand to secure them new employment."

At present, there are 11,474 job vacancies in Tees Valley - many of which require similar skills to those possessed by Samsung employees.

Job creation

But Job Centre Plus intervention after the closure of the Fujitsu factory in County Durham several years ago saw over 90% of the workforce gain new employment within a year.

The future of the Samsung Wynyard buildings has also been discussed by the Group.

Mr Garlick added: "The Samsung Project Group, through regeneration agencies One NorthEast and English Partnerships, will speak to prospective buyers or developers of this land to ensure that the best possible outcome is secured for the North East in terms of job creation and site benefits.

"As part of any negotiations, we would be looking for a masterplan approach to developing the site to ensure the best possible scheme.

"This is a fantastic site and a great development opportunity."