Unite calls for talks over Vauxhall job cuts

The Unite union has called on the government and Vauxhall’s parent company PSA to guarantee future investment at the car maker’s Ellesmere Port plant following the announcement over the weekend that it is making 400 people redundant due to declining sales.

Unite said on Monday that it was seeking “high level meetings” with the UK government and PSA to discuss future investment and ensure that there were no compulsory redundancies.

The announcement from Vauxhall comes just days after defence contractor BAE Systems said it was cutting nearly 2,000 UK jobs due to a lack of orders for its Eurofighter Typhoon Jet.

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: “This news is extremely difficult to take. To lose 400 skilled jobs at Vauxhall, albeit on a voluntary basis, is a major blow to the automotive industry and its supply chain. It is also another huge loss for the north west economy.

“Quite clearly, economic concerns are having a serious impact on consumer confidence. When people feel insecure about the future they do not invest in expenditure like a new car.

“Our priority now is to support our members and protect this plant. We are calling for meetings with the highest levels of the parent company PSA to ensure that there are no compulsory redundancies and that our plant continues to attract much needed investment. That includes removing the uncertainty about a new model and clarity on Ellesmere Port’s future.”

McCluskey asked that the government give PSA and other manufacturers “a clear signal” that it will do all it needs to support the sector through the Brexit process.