HUNDREDS of clothing comp-any workers were still in the dark about their futures last night as union representatives and bosses continued to discuss plans for 380 job losses.

Company bosses at Dewhirst and leaders of the GMB union met yesterday to launch formal consultations on the Wearside firm's plans to close its two factories in Pennywell, Sunderland.

But amid the gloom, employment leaders in the town were optimistic that many workers could find work in other local industries if they lose their jobs.

News of redundancies, and plans to consolidate the work at its Hendon plant, was broken to Dewhirst staff last month. A list of names has yet to be released.

According to Dave Wright, business development manager at Sunderland's JobCentre, those who do find themselves on the dole could find new jobs.

He said: "Along with speculation about local call centre job losses, Dewhirst's decision is not good news. However, the retail and service sectors are still very buoyant in and around Sunderland.

"If these workers cannot get opportunities in the clothing manufacturing industry they can take up roles in light manufacturing or in the service sector.

"The vacancies will be out there. It is just a matter of getting the right match between individuals' and employers' needs.

"The clothing sector opportunities have reduced nationally and it looks like that is being reflected in the North-East."

A GMB spokeswoman said the confusion over who goes and who stays is upsetting the 500 staff.

She said: "We are concerned for the people who want to know who is going, but the company and the union have a legal process to follow to ensure those selected for redundancy are done so fairly.

"This is a very difficult time for the workforce, but we are asking them to bear with us so we can give it our best shot to retain as many jobs as possible in Sunderland."

The GMB blames Marks and Spencer's decision to abandon its Buy British policy for the redundancies. All three Dewhirst factories supply M&S.

The announcement to cut 380 jobs follows the axing of 1,250 jobs from the Sunderland and Peterlee workforce in the past three years.