Support for axed wind farm staff

A taskforce of local businesses will identify ways to supports axed staff

Wind farm workers on the Isle of Wight have been promised guidance and support after hearing of job cuts.

Danish Company Vestas Windsystems announced on Tuesday it would close its turbine plant on the island, cutting 600 jobs, despite rising profits.

A taskforce of local businesses met on Wednesday to discuss employee support.

The taskforce aims to provide co-ordinated support, advice and guidance for alternative employment, as well as re-training for former Vestas staff.

The taskforce consists of representatives from Isle of Wight Council, Seeda (South East England Development Agency) and Business Link Wessex.

About 500 jobs will be lost at the blade manufacturing and research plant at Newport, with a further 100 jobs feared to go in Southampton.

The Danish firm said the job cuts were due to reduced demand for wind turbines in northern Europe.

The news of the job cuts came as the organisation, which is the world's largest manufacturer of wind turbines, reported quarterly sales rises of 59% to 1.11bn euros.