UNION bosses at K Shoes have embarked upon a first round of talks with management following the announcement of 29 job losses.

Shocked factory workers at Kendal's Springer Factory, on Natland Road, learned their jobs were at risk last week when parent company Clarks International unveiled plans to cut the Springer work force this September.

Knitwear, Footwear and Allied Trades (KFAT) branch president George Wells, who also works at the Springer factory, told the Gazette talks had begun but were far from over.

"We have met with management to discuss the possibility of making the job cuts through voluntary redundancies.

We are also still hoping to reduce the total number of redundancies to be made at the site."

Mr Wells said further talks were planned for September 6 and 13.

"Until then I would not like to add anything that could jeopardise the negotiations," he said.

Although Clarks International has informed workers the posts will go from Millbeck and Gallowbarrow, no individuals have been told their jobs will be cut.