“This is hugely disappointing news; for so many people to lose
their jobs at once is bound to have an impact on the local
economy. I hope that the vast majority, if not all, of the
departures can be achieved on a voluntary basis and that the
local job centre will be proactive in working with those
dismissed to find further opportunities.
It looks like this decision is down to the slow sales figures for
the Astra in recent times, rather than a reflection of the
dedicated local workforce, but equally we cannot pretend that
there isn’t still huge uncertainty about the future. Whilst it
was encouraging to hear the PSA Group affirm its commitment to
the Astra plant at Ellesmere Port and its confidence in the
capability and skills of the Ellesmere Port workforce to deliver
the required improvements in performance, we absolutely need to
ensure they get all the help they need to rise to that challenge.
It is clear that in order to put ourselves in the best position
to secure a new model’s production at the plant we need to
maximise the cost effectiveness of the site. That includes
support for some long standing requests made to Government
and a far larger local supply chain content for that vehicle.
These are things that can be worked on now and I know locally the
Council and the LEP are beginning to shape that vision. What we
need from central Government is political and financial
commitment to achieve these aims as well as certainty about our
future trading relationship as soon as possible.
It is very clear that now is the time for the full weight of
national Government to swing behind the plant; I will continue to
work with all interested parties to help secure a future for the
automotive industry in Ellesmere Port.”
