STAFF made redundant with the closure of Harris's Bacon Factory could be thrown a lifeline thanks to the North West Development Agency.

The agency is planning to bid on behalf of the workers for thousands of pounds in funding for re-training and re-deployment.

Skill strategy development officer Neil Wilton said: "There's a national 'Rapid Response Fund' available from the DFEE and I see no reason why we will not be able to access it.

"Once we have set the wheels in motion the process should happen fairly quickly."

Agency representatives are due to meet this week with staff and management from Malton Foods, the company which owns the bacon factory.

"There's no defined amount of money available. The bid will be assessed after we have prepared a report on the type of training needed," added Mr Wilton.

Malton Foods has launched its own support operation.

A spokesman said: "Four professionals have been called in to help put CVs together and help in job search skills.

"There is also the potential to employ around 100 people from Winsford at the Ashton factory, in Greater Manchester."

THE union fronting workers at Harris Bacon Factory has said it will not take industrial action.

After extensive talks with the company, USDAW, the Union of Shop and Distribution Allied Workers, has agreed a settlement.

A spokesman for USDAW said: "There will be no industrial action.

"Our members have instructed us to negotiate for a settlement and that's what we have done.

"The union has held several meetings and a settlement has been reached. We will notify our members of the details individually."