The LG Phillips plant will close in August

Andrew Davies said he would do all he could to find alternative work for the soon to be unemployed staff.

The company announced the job losses at the plant, which manufactures tubes for computer monitors, on Thursday.

Within 90 days the statutory consultation period for closing the factor will be over, and nearly a 1000 skilled workers will be looking for new jobs.

Chris Warman has worked at the plant for three months, but found out on Thursday that his contract is to be terminated.

But he said that he was hopeful of finding alternative work.

"My prospects for finding work are pretty good at the moment," he said.

"I've just applied for a job I used to have, and I've done a lot of retail stock taking before plus other jobs, so I should be okay."

Andrew Davies has vowed to help workers like Mr Warman to find employment.

LG worker Chris Warman hopes to find other work

"I've pressed the company very strongly that they put all their resources at our disposal." he said.

"And I'm delighted to say that in his reply to me today the Chairman and Chief Executive of the company has made that commitment."

Some opposition politicians said the timing of the announcement was manipulated to come after the Welsh Assembly elections, but Mr Davies rejected the claim.

The closure of the factory has also prompted calls for the adoption of EU legislation that ensures stronger information and consultation rights for Welsh workers.

Following claims by representatives of the 870 workers that they were kept in the dark about the future of their jobs at the plant, Shadow Economic Development Minister, Elin Jones said workers should have been told about the company's plans much earlier.

We will continue to be vulnerable to more sudden large scale redundancies such as those experienced at Corus, ITV Digital and now LG Philips Elin Jones, AM

"Other European governments have adopted the Information and Consultation of Workers Directive." she said

"This obliges all businesses with over fifty employees to inform and consult their workers representatives on developments in the company and in good time before all major decisions - especially those affecting jobs.

"Tony Blair on the other hand negotiated a five-year exemption for the UK.

"As a result we will continue to be vulnerable to more sudden large scale redundancies such as those experienced at Corus, ITV Digital and now LG Philips.