Bosses at Stamford engineering company accused of ‘ducking and diving’ over job losses

Bosses at Cummins Generator Technologies in Stamford have been accused of “ducking and diving” over a request for an impact assessment on the Lincolnshire economy if the company sheds 300 jobs.

Union Unite says it has been pressing the company for the impact assessment when the Barnack Road site closes in October 2018.

The union wants the assessment carried out by consultancy Syndex.

Unite regional officer Scott Lennon said: “We have been asking for the impact assessment to be carried out, but the management has been ‘ducking and diving’ and refusing to participate, even though the loss of up to 300 jobs will have serious economic ripple effects across Lincolnshire.

“Cummins is a large employer in the area and the closure of Barnack Road site is very detrimental as the income those jobs bring into the town will disappear. Well-paid, skilled jobs will vanish and the only jobs available pay the national minimum wage.

“Our members have made sacrifices in terms of pay freezes, cuts and reductions in pension benefits since 2010.

“The impact assessment was going to be done by Syndex and it would have given us an overview on how the company is losing money and put in recommendations to save money and jobs.

“Unite set up the meeting for this to happen, but the company then refused to carry on with the assessment as it didn’t want to release potential information which, it claimed, could be harmful in relation to business rivals.

“We assured them that the information would be private and confidential; strictly conform to data protection guidance; and would not be used outside the consultation group.

“The bosses declined and told us that they will not be interested in any impact assessment – a decision we regard as shameful.”

Unite is currently asking its 370 members whether they wish to take strike action and/or industrial action short of a strike over the refusal of the management to enter into constructive talks. The ballot closes on Friday 12 January.

The company has indicated 150 people could be employed at a centre of excellence in Ryhall Road in the town. It is understood that Cummins currently employs 500 people in Stamford.

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