SANYO bosses last night said it was too early to speculate on the outcome of talks over the future of more than 300 threatened jobs.

The company announced last week that it was entering a consultation process ahead of the possible closure of its plants at Newton Aycliffe, County Durham and Thornaby, Teesside.

A total of 284 staff are employed in Aycliffe, where microwave ovens are manufactured, and 31 at the magnetron component facility on Teesside. Lengthy discussions have already taken place with officials from the Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union (AEEU).

Sanyo's European Works Council, which consists of representatives from Sanyo plants all over Europe, is also being consulted about the closures.

Last night, David Simpson, Sanyo Electric Manufacturing UK general manager, said: "The meetings we have had so far have been sensible and positive in the context of the cloud that is hanging over us.

"It is very early days though to say anything concrete."

A further meeting with the AEEU and representatives from ACAS is planned for tomorrow, said Mr Simpson.