THE Ford Transit factory at Swaythling is to take on new staff from Dagenham where the company is ceasing car production.

The jobs are part of measures by Ford in a bid to minimise the effects of production changes at the Dagenham plant.

A spokesman for Ford said that volunteers were now being sought from Dagenham to transfer to 40 new permanent, hourly-paid jobs at Swaythling.

These new positions are available immediately and will support the launch of the all-new Ford Transit, now being built in the city, said the spokesman.

Ford says employees taking up this offer will be eligible for full relocation assistance.

This has been enhanced specifically for redeployments associated with the Dagenham programme.

The jobs are all assembly jobs and Ford says it is confident of filling the posts with current Dagenham employees.

"As and when we get interest from Dagenham staff we will bring them to Southampton to see the plant, and the surrounding area,'' said the spokesman.

"People will be able to make sure they are happy with a move to Southampton but we are confident that the posts will be completely filled with staff moving from Dagenham.''

Other moves announced for Dagenham, which will cease vehicle production in 2002, include a new high-technology diesel engine manufacturing facility, with an expected 5,000 employed on the site.