THE closure of a Suffolk factory and loss of almost 400 jobs was today described as “a great loss” to the region as new figures show unemployment rising.

THE closure of a Suffolk factory and loss of almost 400 jobs was today described as “a great loss” to the region as new figures show unemployment rising.

Grampian Country Pork's plant at Elmswell, near Bury St Edmunds, is to shut on June 14 following a consultation with its 380 staff.

Officials from the company, which also runs a site in Little Wratting, near Haverhill, have blamed the “deeply regrettable” decision on increasing costs.

David Ruffley, MP for Bury and the surrounding area, described the news as “awful” at a time when unemployment is rising.