UNION representatives at a Taunton factory threatened with closure are to meet bosses next week in a bid to reverse the decision.

They have promised to do everything they can to save the manufacturing business at optronics firm Thales, in Lisieux Way.

The three-day summit involving Amicus reps and local and national managers takes place at Thales UK's offices in Weybridge, Surrey, from Tuesday.

It follows a meeting last Friday between Amicus and Thales UK bosses for initial talks on the firm's plans to relocate the manufacturing business to Glasgow, with the loss of 142 Taunton jobs.

Jamie Rose, union convenor at Lisieux Way, said: "Last Friday's meeting was positive, with a view to taking the consultation forward.

"This will now constitute a representation from across the group to discuss and consult on the proposal to cease manufacturing' at Taunton.

"At this meeting we'll expect to be given the breakdown of the cost savings predicted by Thales with a view to seek agreement to mitigate some or all of the circumstances.

"We've briefed our members to this effect and have received unanimous support from them in the way the union is dealing with the situation.

"We continue to hope the firm ultimately reverses the decision and feel our unique skills and competencies can be proved to be an asset to Thales UK."

Mr Rose last week said he believed Thales UK would cancel plans to relocate to Glasgow if workers in Taunton could make £3.5million of savings a year.

Thales UK spokesman Guy Douglas said last Friday's meeting was "constructive".

He added: "We decided on a joint Thales and Amicus working group to review the business plan and all options for the future of the business.

"We hope we can find other options that could lessen the blow to the workforce in Taunton, while at the same time safeguarding the future of the business.

"We're willing to look at anything that can address the situation we're in."

Thales plans to sell the rest of its business in Taunton, which will remain on site with 70 jobs.

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