EMPLOYEES who face redundancy at the Sittingbourne Mill have something to smile about after the company brought in to help find them jobs said it was confident of doing so.

The 350 workers had a bleak Christmas and New Year after the announcement that M-Real was to close on January 31.

JLT Career Management was brought in to help the workers with CVs and interview techniques.

JLT’s managing director, Judith Towning, said: “The mill has a highly-skilled workforce, from a variety of disciplines. They work with state-of-the-art equipment and have a lot to offer.

“Interest in the scheme from employees is fantastic; around 96 per cent are working with us. I am confident we will be able to help the majority of employees move forward more positively through the next few weeks.”

M-Real is funding the programme which aims to help employees decide what they want to do next.

This might include self-employment, an opportunity to switch careers or the chance to retrain.

Based in Sussex, JLT Career Management was established seven years ago to specialise in outplacement and career coaching.

JLT is calling for local employers to telephone it on 01795 564099 if they have vacancies.