The proposed closure of a Barncoose factory that makes socks and hosery has thrown the future of 52 jobs into doubt.

RB plc, which makes flight socks and bandages, has blamed the move on a steady decline in production. 

The company, formerly known as Reckitt Benckiser, is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Slough, Berkshire, England. It is a major producer of health, hygiene and home products.

A spokesman said: "RB plc has today announced the proposed closure of its manufacturing facility at Barncoose, Redruth. If the move goes ahead, it is envisaged that the factory, which employs 52 permanent employees, would close in the second half of 2015.

"Site production volume has been in steady decline over many years, and despite the business making a significant capital investment in 2013 and introducing other measures to drive down costs, it has not been possible to reverse this trend.

"RB says the proposal has not been taken lightly and there will now follow a period of consultation with employees before a final decision is made.

The company will seek to "mitigate the consequences of closure through a programme of early retirement, voluntary redundancy and working with other RB sites and other relevant local agencies to source alternative employment opportunities for affected employees both inside and outside the business".