TOP level talks to secure redundancy packages for anxious workers at a beleaguered Droitwich Spa factory are planned this week.

Christian Salvesen directors and General Municipal Boilermakers' Union (GMB) representatives were scheduled to meet today to discuss the pending job losses at the depot.

Last week, we revealed the firm's principal contract with supermarket giant Sainsbury's had been terminated.

The distribution centre at Berry Hill Industrial Estate provides 574 jobs and is likely to close this summer.

GMB regional organiser Chris Humphreys said today's meeting was on behalf of 236 weekly-paid manual members.

He said: "We have put forward proposals which would improve their already enhanced redundancy policy. A similar meeting is planned tomorrow, on behalf of 62 clerical and administration GMB members."

An employee, who would not be named, said: "We're taking it as gospel that the depot will close.

"We're resigned to the fact our jobs will go. The atmosphere is awful. Some workers went home in tears when the news broke last Monday.

"We've been stabbed in the back and the very least our bosses can do is end the uncertainty hanging over us."

GMB general secretary John Edmonds said: "Sainsbury's has acted despicably, throwing hundreds of hard-working people on the dole and cutting the financial throat of an entire community."

Wychavon District Council has entered talks with the firm over its fate and offered assistance with marketing the site.

The council is currently waiting for a precise breakdown of how many jobs will be axed.

Droitwich Job Centre, in St Andrew's Street, plans to set up a week-long information centre at the factory to help employees seek new opportunities.

A Sainsbury's spokesman said: "It was a very difficult decision made after much deliberation."