WORKERS leaving a Gwent factory yesterday spoke of their fears that hundreds of jobs could be lost there.

Yesterday, we revealed how Californian company Solectron told employees at its plant in Cwmcarn that the focus of the site is due to change.

The factory, formerly Nortel Networks, makes and refurbishes telecommunications equipment and employs about 800 people.

A 90-day consultation period has started at the plant, which the firm said was part of a company-wide restructuring programme.

It is understood 500 jobs could be affected by plans to transfer "identified elements" of manufacturing from Cwmcarn to other Solectron sites.

Storeman John Parfitt has worked at the plant for ten years. He said: "We are feeling pretty sore at the moment, but nothing concrete has been decided and there is nothing in black and white yet."

Mr Parfitt, of St Rhydian's Close, Blackwood, said he had been told there would be a committee meeting on Monday, after which workers would be told more.

But he said he was worried that, at 54, he would not be able to find another job if his was axed.

"I was lucky to get in here," said Mr Parfitt.

Another worker, who did not want to be named, said the atmosphere inside the plant was not good. "Everybody is worried," he said.

Workers had not been given any details, he said. He said he would like to see government help along the lines of that offered to Corus workers.

Yesterday a former contract worker told the Argus 80 contract staff were axed at the factory last week.

"Last Thursday evening we were called together with the night shift and told the contract and our jobs were finished there and then."

The worker, who has now signed on and did not want to be identified, said: "I am bitter and angry over this."