EMPLOYEE representatives were due to be elected this week to represent production workers facing possible redundancy at herb, spice and seasoning company McCormick.

They will speak for the 250 production workers at the Haddenham factory, 160 of whom will lose their jobs following McCormick's decision to reorganise the European sales growth and operations after its acquisition of French company Ducros last year for $380 million.

The management will consult with the elected representatives on job selection criteria although there will also be the chance for individual consultations with management if requested.

The reorganisation will see McCormick create two specialised production centres for Europe with industrial food processing remaining at Haddenham while retail consumer products will be transferred to Ducros' site in Monteux near Marseilles.

President of McCormick Europe John Molan advised staff of the redundancies last week.

They are due to take effect from May and will be phased in over the year.

Mr Molan said: "We very much regret that some jobs will have to go at Haddenham as part of our reorganisation and we will be considerate and fair in supporting our employees through the coming months."

Employees affected will receive financial advice and practical help to include careers and job advice, workshops on managing finances and pensions and training in personal computer skills.

A new office has been set up on the Haddenham site which will be permanently staffed to help with careers advice, workshops on financial and pension planning, and retraining. Time off will also be given for job interviews.

Redundancy pay for those affected will be above the statutory minimum.

As part of the reorganisation, Jenks Sales Brokers, a trading division of McCormick with 100 staff, will transfer to Haddenham. Jenks, currently at Sword House, Totteridge Road, High Wycombe, will subsidise transportation for a year to minimise inconvenience as a result of changes in commuting arrangements for the office-based employees.Spice firm McCormick sets up office to help workers.