Ford is pinning its hopes on a possible breakthrough in the industrial dispute that has crippled production at its Southampton factory.

Striking unions at the sister plant in Genk, Belgium, are considering a set of proposals laid on the negotiating table by the motor giant.

Delivery of crucial body panels to the Swaythling plant, which makes the best-selling Ford Transit commercial van, will resume if the package is accepted.

Manufacturing ground to a halt last Thursday at the assembly plant in Swaythling because of supplies being throttled in Belgium.

More than 1,600 workers here are undergoing training while the headline dispute rumbles on.

They face the disheartening prospect of being sent home if the deadlock abroad is not broken soon.

But it emerged today that unions in Genk have been given fresh hope as they fight a plan by Ford to cut 3,000 jobs out of a 12,000-strong workforce.

Unions have apparently been given an assurance that Ford is committed to carrying on the production of the Mondeo car there.

The Daily Echo also understands that Genk is a preferred bidder for two as yet undisclosed product lines, which would ensure job security.

Ford's corporate affairs spokesman in the UK, Tom Malcolm, confirmed talks took place between company top brass and the unions in Genk.

He added: "The company has asked the unions to consider what is being proposed and respond as soon as possible."

Trade union leaders at Genk are now sounding out how members feel about the official reassurances before reporting back.

The company is currently on a cost-cutting drive because of the depressed car sales market in Europe.

However, Southampton's Ford Transit is a jewel-in-the-crown brand.

The all-purpose van - a familiar sight on British roads - already has a 27 per cent share of the commercial van market in the UK.

Up to 375, with a total showroom value of £5, are usually made in a day at the Swaythling assembly plant.