SPECULATION over the future of a Spa factory is over following an announcement it will close "lock, stock and barrel" on July 23.

Workers at the beleaguered Christian Salv-esen depot are now scrambling to get new jobs.

Salvesen bosses have agreed that employees can leave early to take up employment -- unless they are key workers.

The firm has been forced to shut after its principal contract with supermarket giant Sains-bury's was terminated.

The distribution centre, at Berry Hill Industrial Estate, provides 574 jobs.

A Salvesen spokesman confirmed 120 regional fleet workers will retain their positions, although they will relocate to Worcester.

He said: "It's difficult to be precise and say how many people will actually lose their jobs.

"We are still in talks with employees and some have been offered alternative roles within the company."

"The future of the site is still unknown," he added.

General Municipal Boiler-makers' Union (GMB) regional organiser, Chris Humphreys, is concerned for job hunters.

He said: "Droitwich Spa is a very small town and it won't be easy for everyone to find employment.

"A job club is currently running at the depot, enabling people to look for vacancies and discuss interviewing techniques and their CV.

"The factory will close lock, stock and barrel - just as everyone expected."

A Salvesen employee, who would not be named, told the Advertiser: "Waiting for news has left us feeling like prisoners on death row. It was almost a relief to hear Salvesen will close."