More than 250 jobs still hang in the balance three months after two Bradford factories were put up for sale by their parent company.

Initial Wear4work in Legrams Lane and Initial Garment Services in Northside Road employ 266 staff between them.

Both are owned by troubled services group Rentokil Initial, which decided to dispose of them as part of its strategy to opt out of linen and garment services.

Despite yesterday declaring preliminary 2004 pre-tax profits of £350.8 million Rentokil said both firms remained for sale. Turnover rose to more than £2.4 billion.

A Rentokil spokesman confirmed that talks were underway with undisclosed buyers but declined to give more detail about their identities or any timescale for a prospective sale.

In the report accompanying its results Rentokil Initial said: "A dedicated team is engaged in separating out the linen and garment activities, ahead of the envisaged withdrawal from these parts of the business. Preliminary discussions are underway with potential acquirers for all or parts of these activities."

When it announced the sale, Rentokil said it was selling the loss-making businesses as part of a restructuring to strengthen the group and boost performance.

Rentokil drafted in consultants to work on strategy and closely scrutinise the textile part of its business.

The GMB union has been closely watching developments since the November announcement.

Regional organiser Rachel Dix said concern remained about jobs. "I had a meeting with the local management recently," said Miss Dix. "I asked again if there were any developments and they were adamant there weren't.

"As far as I'm concerned we will fight to protect the jobs."