This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-25412541

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Talks after Sharp announces hundreds of job losses Talks after Sharp announces hundreds of job losses
(about 2 hours later)
Talks are due to take place between union bosses and electronics giant Sharp after hundreds of job losses were announced. Talks are due between union bosses and electronics giant Sharp after hundreds of job losses were announced.
The factory near Wrexham will cease solar panel production in February.The factory near Wrexham will cease solar panel production in February.
On Monday, Sharp said it would be cutting 250 posts and not renewing about 365 agency workers' contracts. On Monday, Sharp said it was cutting 250 posts and not renewing agency workers' contracts - thought to be around 365.
Peter Hughes from Unite called it "a hell of a blow" before Christmas and would begin talks with the company at the factory on Tuesday. The company said the decision affecting its Llay factory was "unavoidable" given trading conditions which "left Wrexham's output uncompetitive".
The company said trading conditions made the decision affecting its Llay factory "unavoidable". Sharp said its European solar business was being transformed to ensure "regeneration and long-term growth".
But Peter Hughes from the Unite union called it "a hell of a blow" before Christmas leaving just 140 workers at the site.
Mr Hughes said: "Sharp's decision to end solar panel production in the UK is a tragic loss for the workforce and for UK manufacturing.
'Bitter pill'
"Hundreds of skilled jobs which were supposed to be at the cutting edge of the green energy revolution are being lost because of a lack of demand from Europe.
"The news is a particularly bitter pill for staff to swallow so close to Christmas.
"Unite begins consultations with the company... and the union will be demanding that the company leaves no stone unturned and offers significant support to this skilled workforce."
Llay ward councillor Terry Boland told BBC Radio Wales he was "extremely sad" for workers and staff when he heard the news.
"I think it's going to cast a cloud over Wrexham," he said.
"The impact will be horrendous, really. At this time of year, it's Christmas and people are celebrating and looking forward to having a good time, they've worked hard all year but unfortunately they're in this situation now."
Sharp made the announcement that it would be cutting jobs at the factory on Monday afternoon.
Boss of the company Hiroshi Sasaoka said the decision was a difficult one.
"It is with sincere regret that we have decided to end solar panel production in Wrexham," he said.
"Our employees are our greatest asset, and we have been fortunate to have a loyal, hardworking and committed workforce since we began solar production here in 2004.
"The Wrexham facility will continue to produce microwave ovens, and we will be investigating additional products for development."
The Welsh government has offered its support to those facing redundancy.
Sharp opened its factory in Wrexham in 1984 and is one of the town's biggest employers.Sharp opened its factory in Wrexham in 1984 and is one of the town's biggest employers.
In 2004, it began manufacturing solar panels for both residential and commercial installations.In 2004, it began manufacturing solar panels for both residential and commercial installations.
Two years ago