NEWPORT’S Panasonic factory could close making 53 employees redundant as part of restructure proposals, it has been announced.

A total of 53 of the 75 employees in the organisation have been identified as being at risk.as part of the restructuring plans which could see operations at the site come to an end.

The Newport site provides technical and other support services for European sales.

The proposals would see the necessary operations moved to Cardiff as well as other sites in mainland Europe and Asia.

A statement from Panasonic System Networks Company UK Ltd says the "ongoing severe economic environment and resultant weak sales demands" are the reasons behind the proposal.

A 30-day consultation will now be held to consider all the options.

The restructuring is proposed to be completed by March next year.