Workers at the Wexford Electronix plant have been reassured that their jobs are safe until mid-February at least.

The 364 workers at one of Wexford town's largest employers had feared their jobs might disappear before Christmas when the plant was put in the hands of receiver Mr Roy Jackson of KPMG earlier this month.

However, union leaders warned employees at the plant, which manufactures cable harnesses for the motor industry, not "to get their hopes up" after they met with Mr Jackson and the Tβnaiste, Ms Harney.

Mr Billy Kyne, regional officer of the AEEU, the largest trade union at the plant, said that while the unions and workers are heartened by the pre-Christmas news, there was still a long way to go before the workers got out of the difficulties they and their families were facing.

Mr Kyne said there were positive indications from the receiver and the Tβnaiste when they met with the unions and Oireachtas members.

"There may be some rescue package in the new year that might see work continuing at the premises under a new entity," he said.

Mr Kyne said the receiver was currently looking at buyers and investors for the plant, but stressed that all of the workforce would be made redundant before a new company was formed. He said that, if a buyer was found and the company reopened as a new entity, employees would be recruited from the existing workforce.

"We as a union, are heartened by the optimism, but would also urge caution," added Mr Kyne.