TOOLmaker Black and Decker has again sought to reassure staff at its Spennymoor, County Durham, plant over their future amid renewed fears of job losses.

The company announced earlier this month that six jobs were being axed in its consumer engineering department.

This came on top of more than 100 job losses last year as part of an on-going restructuring programme, with 12 administrative posts also falling by the wayside.

However, workers at the plant have contacted The Northern Echo claiming that more job losses are on their way.

It is thought that some of the security staff posts at the Spennymoor operation could now be under threat of the axe.

Workers claim the plant is gradually being run down by management.

In addition, they say management is laying off permanent employees but keeping on agency staff.

Last night, Black and Decker issued a statement saying its Spennymoor plant was a "central part" of its global network.

After announcing major changes a year ago, the company's branded drills and power tools are now made in Suzhou, China, where they can be produced at a lower cost.

Spennymoor now concentrates on producing the high-value De Walt tools, which are used by professional tradesmen.

The statement said: "The plant's realignment to professional power tool manufacturing further secures its future in a very competitive environment.

"The teamwork and commitment of the whole workforce are key to the success of the plant."

The statement also said that substantial investment was being made in the Spennymoor plant.

Black and Decker has previously said that the future of the Spennymoor plant was "not up for debate".

However, this has failed to convince staff, who claim morale is very low and say they are resigned to the fact that the operation will shut eventually.

One worker, who asked not to be named for fear of repercussions, said management was seeking to "totally destroy" the plant.

The US company is a worldwide leader in the manufacture of power tools. It is also a household name in the DIY market.

The company employs more than 1,800 people at its Spennymoor operation.