TWO hundred County Durham Black and Decker workers will be briefed by bosses today over changes in the company's operations.

The US-owned firm has consistently reassured staff at the Spennymoor plant, but workers have said that morale is extremely low as they fear for their long-term future.

The briefings, given to the factory's three shifts this afternoon and tonight, are expected to clarify the company's position over a new operation in the Czech Republic.

Black and Decker has already started making cheaper branded drills and power tools in China instead of Spennymoor and the move to Eastern Europe would be part of the same cost-cutting strategy.

Spennymoor now concentrates on producing high-value De Walt tools for the expanding professional market.

Last week, it insisted the County Durham operation was central to its global network and that substantial investment was being made.

But nearly 120 jobs were shed at Spennymoor last year and workers have criticised management for laying off permanent employees and keeping on agency staff.