Business leaders and politicans prepare Goodyear taskforce

BUSINESS leaders and politicans in Wolverhampton have begun plans for a Goodyear taskforce to help employees who are expected to lose their jobs following the announcement by the company that it plans to close its factory in the city.

Up to 330 jobs are at risk following the announcement, which the company said would help secure its long term competitiveness. It is thought production will switch to low cost factories abroad.

In the wake of the announcement, the city council, Wolverhampton North East MP Emma Reynolds, Job Centre Plus, Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, and Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership representatives held an emergency meeting at Wolverhampton Civic Centre.
 
While encouraging Goodyear to explore other options that mean it can stay in the city, the potential taskforce is putting practical measures to help those facing the threat of redundancy.

Cllr Roger Lawrence, leader of the city council, said: “We cannot stress enough how much we hope Goodyear reconsider this proposal to close the factory.
 
“Goodyear has been in the city for decades and there are many families who have been left shocked and devastated by this news.
 
“Should the worst happen we must find a way forward for those affected by the proposed closure in January 2017.”
 
He said the taskforce would provide practical support to those facing redundancy and help them find new opportunities in the city, where a number of companies were looking to grow.
 
Ms Reynolds added: “I called for an urgent meeting with Goodyear and I met with the senior management. I urged them to reconsider their decision. I have spoken both to trade union representatives and some Goodyear workers. I understand that the factory is both highly productive and profitable.
 
“The announcement came as a shock and is a bitter blow for the company’s employees, their families and our city. Their workers are highly skilled, hardworking and committed. The factory’s industrial relations have been exemplary even during the recession when employees worked shorter hours to help the company.
 
“We hope there might still be a possibility the company will reconsider its decision and we will be working with both the company’s management and trade unions to find a way forward.”
 
She said that in the meantime, should redundancies occur then the various parties involved in the taskforce would do all they could to minimise their impact.