REDUNDANCY negotiations between management and employee representatives at Newport firm LG Philips Displays are in deadlock, documents obtained by the Argus reveal.

Talks were scheduled to resume today but with so much separating the two sides no imminent breakthrough is thought likely.

The firm announced last month that its Newport plant would close in August with the loss of 870 jobs.

Negotiations began over redundancy packages.

Now the convenor for the Amicus union, Peter Radmilovic, is quoted in the documents as saying: "We feel there is a distinct lack of commitment on behalf of management to complete this difficult process as soon as possible."

The management's existing offer consists of two weeks' pay for every completed year of service plus payment in lieu of notice.

There would also be a £500 loyalty bonus for working until closure on August 20 and maintaining the quality and quantity of output.

LG Philips Displays human resources manager Paul Harris is quoted as saying: "We have offered a package which in general terms compares very favourably to similar types of settlements in the South Wales area.

"The management team is committed to concluding the negotiation process as soon as possible in order that both parties can then focus on achieving production yield and quality targets."

One angry worker contacted the Argus last night.

Asking to remain anonymous, she said: "This deal on offer is pathetic and shows how much LG Philips really thinks about the people who work for the company."

She was equally dismissive of the support of local politicians, who have promised a package of help for redundant workers.

She said: "When the closure was announced all the government and Assembly politicians lined up to say how terrible it was for the workers and how Corus-style packages should be provided to help people move on.

"Where are they now and why aren't they fighting for a better deal for us?"

A spokesman for the company said: "We're not sure who provided this information for you, but our policy is never to comment publicly on the progress of on-going negotiations."

Mr Radmilovic was unavailable for comment.