A UNION has described the axing of hundreds of jobs at one of the world’s oldest cable makers as “shambolic” and a “scandal”

GMB Union said bosses at AEI Cables have shown “no interest” in looking for a solution.

The company, based in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, announced yesterday it was cutting 200 jobs over the coming weeks.

Last night, the leader of Gateshead Council assured workers it will do “everything” it can to help find them alternative employment.

A spokesperson for the GMB union blamed the troubles on AEI’s current owners, Dubai-based Ducab, who bought the company in 2014.

“The company has clearly not been interested in dialogue from the beginning.

“I don’t think they were ever interested in selling from the moment the announcement was made in September.

“They have had no stake in the local community and have been based offshore from day one.”

The union also responded to claims workers at AEI were told their jobs were secure before Christmas, ahead of further talks in the New Year.

“They had meetings in the early hours of Tuesday so they must have known something was going to happen, and now the tax payer has to pick up the tab.

“It is a real kick in the teeth for the people of Birtley – it will more than likely become a brownfield site.”

The Northern Echo revealed yesterday that two offers were made to buy AEI last year, with one seriously considered, but they were both rejected as they were not “viable” offers.

Bosses at AEI confirmed manufacturing will stop at Birtley and the company will operate as a sales only business, with 13 sales and administration staff remaining at a yet to be decided location.

Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, said: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by the announcement which has come at such short notice and at a time when we should all be looking ahead to what the new year can bring.

“We will do everything we can as a council to support the workers affected to find alternative employment, ideally using the extensive skills and experience they already have.

“Where they need additional skills and training to find new employment in a different field, we will work closely with our partners to make sure they get the support they need at this difficult time.”