COMPANIES in the engineering and service sectors are queuing up to offer jobs to former Samsung staff.

JobCentre Plus plans to establish an office onsite at Samsung to match the 425 staff affected by the company's decision to move production abroad, with dozens of vacancies in the Tees Valley.

George Garlick, chairman of the Samsung Project Group, and chief executive of Stockton Borough Council, said: "I am optimistic that we can find jobs within the Tees Valley for the majority of the former Samsung employees.

"A similar project, established when Fujitsu announced the closure of its Newton Aycliffe plant, succeeded in finding employment for 90 per cent of the workforce, and I am sure we can emulate that success."

He said JobCentre Plus had already received dozens of inquiries from firms in the engineering, electronics and service sectors across the Tees Valley, interested in the former Samsung staff.

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

Mr Garlick said: "It's about matching the staff we have to the appropriate jobs available.

"Unfortunately, unless there is a new start-up requiring 300 workers, the process is going to take time to complete.

"However, the skills of Samsung workers will stand them in good stead in the employment market."

Rapid Response funding has been secured from the Government to allow a comprehensive recovery package for workers, including access to training, education and the latest local and regional job vacancies.

Meanwhile, The Samsung Project Group discussed the future of the Samsung Wynyard buildings and land at a meeting held at the Samsung Training Centre yesterday.

Mr Garlick said: "The Samsung Project Group, through 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."

The Samsung Project group is led by Stockton Borough Council with assistance from regional development agency One NorthEast, JobCentre Plus, the Learning and Skills Council, Government Office for the North East, Tees Valley Regeneration, Tees Valley Partnership and English Partnerships.