350 jobs under threat at Goodrich plant

UTC Aerospace Systems is planning to close down its Goodrich manufacturing plant in Liverpool with the loss of 350 jobs.

UTC, which acquired the aircraft parts factory in Huyton two years ago when it bought Goodrich, wants to move the work overseas.

It has said the move, which will see the plant close by the end of next year, is required to remain competitive.

Knowsley’s Labour MP George Howarth has spoken to business secretary Vince Cable about possible government support to keep the site open.

Officials from the union Unite are also in talks with management over the proposal. Mr Howarth told the BBC the plant had been recruiting “within the last 12 months, so it’s a bit of a bolt out of the blue”.