Hope for Courtaulds as MP tries to broker rescue deal
The Government could step to broker a deal to buy the stricken Courtaulds hosier factory, it has emerged.
Tory MP for Mid Derbyshure Pauline Latham has said that the Government is trying to look at ways to save the jobs of 350 people who were laid off without any notice on Wednesday (25 May).
The factory, which produced clothing for brands such as Pretty Polly, employed 320 people, with the rest of the staff split between Nottingham and London.
Latham says she has been contacted by businesses who are interested in buying the Courtaulds business and she would be passing these on to Business Secratary Sajid Javid.
Pauline Latham
Latham is reported as saying: “The Government are going to try to work with both sides [administrators and potential buyers] to try get this to happen, it might help.
“I have had about three or four people contact me and I am going to send all of their details on to him. I also spoke to the Employment Minister Priti Patel and she has also come back to me.
“I’m pleased Government are reacting very quickly to this. I’m hopeful something can be done to help the people of Belper.”
Meanwhile, Sean Scorer, national officer for the textile and garment workers’ union Community, has reacted angrily to the factory closure. He said: “This is absolutely devastating news for all the workers at Courtaulds. Our thoughts are with our members and those affected in the wider community in Belper.
“This news has come as a shock to everybody. We had been working closely with the local management to overcome some of the current challenges facing the business but imminent administration was never part of the discussions.
“We are already in contact with the administrators and we will be looking for further urgent discussions to understand the full implications for the workforce and any future of the business.”
Dilip Dattani and Patrick Ellward of RSM Restructuring Advisory have been appointed joint administrators of the CUK Clothing and Courtaulds brands.
