250 jobs at risk as US giant announces site closure

NEARLY 250 jobs are at risk after General Electric began consulting staff over its plans to shut its Kidsgrove site.

The company told its staff just before the bank holiday weekend and it will now take the next 90 days to review its plans with its workforce and unions.

243 people work at the Staffordshire site, which makes energy drives and converters.

Ruth Smeeth, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove, said: “I’m extremely concerned that GE has made no effort to notify or consult with anyone before this decision was made. This behaviour shows a total disregard for the concerns of local, loyal employees here in Kidsgrove.

“I have been in contact with Unite, and I will be meeting as soon as possible with local union reps and will be working with them in the days ahead. I have also contacted the Business Secretary to seek additional support for the future of the site and have secured an urgent meeting with GE’s management.

“My priority is the future of our community, and the wellbeing of those people whose jobs are affected and their families.”