(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
A council has pledged to help workers affected by the collapse of Crafter's Companion after the Newton Aycliffe-based company entered liquidation.
The crafting retailer, founded by Dragon's Den star Sara Davies, recently went into liquidation, with 42 redundancies at its Newton Aycliffe site.
Durham County Council deputy leader Cllr Darren Grimes said the losses were especially worrying after several recent announcements affecting major employers across the county.
Deputy Council leader Darren Grimes. (Image: STUART BOULTON)
He said: "It's incredibly disappointing to hear of further job losses in County Durham, this time at Crafter's Companion following its entry into liquidation."
"This is a very difficult time for the 42 employees who have been made redundant in Newton Aycliffe, as well as others elsewhere in the country."
Cllr Grimes said the redundancies came during a difficult period for the region, with closures and potential job losses at Clayton Glass in Annfield Plain, Greggs in Seaham, Erwin Hymer Group in Consett and NSK in Peterlee.
He added: "The fact this news comes so soon after announcements of closures and potential job losses at other major employers in the area is especially concerning."
The council promised to help affected workers find new jobs.
"We are committed to doing everything in our power to support those affected through our Employability Durham and Business Durham services," said Cllr Grimes.
The authority will also lobby the Government and the North East Mayoral Combined Authority for investment to protect jobs and support local industries.
Cllr Grimes added: "We continue to lobby the Government and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority to invest in protecting existing jobs and industries in our area."
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"We're also pressing for a sustainable employment support funding settlement for Durham, which recognises the need within the county and enables us to support people when job losses are unavoidable."
Support is available to affected workers as they look for new jobs, the council said.
The liquidation also affected 16 workers at the company's store in Evesham, near Worcester, while the Crafter's Companion brand and website are set to continue.