TALKS are going on between union officials and management as Eastleigh is still reeling from the news that nearly 200 jobs are to be axed at cable giant Pirelli's Bishopstoke works.

As reported in yesterday's Daily Echo, Pirelli's glass fibre unit is to be mothballed so that production could be started again if market conditions improve.

The unit makes the raw material for optical fibre cable for the telecommunications industry, which the company says has been hit by the "sudden cessation" of expansion programmes.

Pirelli has blamed the dramatic global downturn in the telecommunications and transfer industries for the latest job losses.

But the sudden announcement has shocked union leaders.

A spokesman for Amicus, which represents many of the skilled and professional workers, said: "We are devastated by the decision, which will clearly have an impact on the Eastleigh and Bishopstoke area.

"These are highly-skilled and professional jobs and some of these workers have been there for over 20 years."

The 90-day consultation period between union and management has just started and the Amicus spokesman said: "We shall be seeking every piece of valid information from the employer."

The union will be asking why the glass fibre unit is closing at Bishopstoke while the company's similar operation in Italy remains open.

Questions will also be asked about the company's future intentions for the Bishopstoke land currently occupied by the glass fibre unit.

Pirelli is creating 50 jobs by resurrecting its energy cables operation at Leigh Road, Eastleigh, next year.