OUR economy is undergoing a fundamental shift, and that has never been more clear than this week.

On Tuesday we reported a series of employment blows. Telecom equipment firm Portastor announced 80 jobs were to go. Bus manufacturer Plaxton's was saved, but at the cost of 500 jobs.

The Malton Bacon Factory, employer of 2,100 workers, was put up for sale after a slump in profits.

Other firms laying off workers include a packaging firm and a heating specialist, both at Clifton Moor, and York Gas on Lendal Road, York.

Two factors link them. They are traditional, mainly manufacturing businesses. And all are in turmoil.

Today, however, came a very welcome injection of good news, courtesy of one of York's newer employers. Card Protection Plan is expanding fast. It is creating 400 more jobs and it has pledged that everyone made redundant in this round of lay-offs will be guaranteed an interview.

This shines a real ray of hope through the employment gloom. The CPP pledge is unconditional: age and experience are discounted. An ability to get on with people is more important.

Older staff, faced with all-too prevalent age discrimination in the job market, might have feared that they would never work again.

The enlightened approach of CPP gives them a real opportunity.

CPP is a very different business to those which are struggling. The York call centre is built upon the latest communications technology. The specialist engineering skills of, say, a Plaxton's worker will not be required.

CPP is an example of how the modern service sector continues to grow as manufacturing industry declines. It has made a lasting commitment to York, building an extensive new headquarters at Holgate Park. And its success story has come at just the right time for the city's economy.

Updated: 10:26 Thursday, June 07, 2001