LDV: Unite Calls for Just GBP4 Million State Help to Save Plant and Jobs

LONDON - Following the news today that Midlands-based van manufacturer LDV will go into administration on May 6th with the loss of around 900 jobs directly and thousands more in the wider supply chain, Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of Unite said:

“Two months ago I warned that without rapid intervention to support LDV while it sought a new buyer, the company would collapse.

“Unless the government acts to provide a small but vital aid package of just GBP4 million, barely a year’s bonus for a bailed-out banker, then LDV will go into administration on May 6th - and take with it thousands of jobs in our manufacturing heartland. Once gone, these jobs will be gone forever.

“This does not need to happen. There is a serious and interested buyer for this company, Westar, one who would keep these jobs in this country. This buyer is going through the process of due diligence presently, so all that we ask is that the government supports this with GBP4 million in financial assistance while they complete due diligence.

“With so many skilled jobs at risk and with a genuine possibility of a buyer, if this company goes to the wall for the want of a relatively small amount money, then it would be criminal.

“BERR and the government promised that they would support “green jobs”. LDV’s future is based on becoming the first producer of hybrid vans in Europe so this is clearly worthy of support.

“While the measure of assistance to LDV that government has given so far has been fully appreciated, there must be no dilly-dallying, no dithering but instead immediate action to keep these jobs and skills alive.”

Unite for Jobs

On 16th May 2009, Unite will hold a march through Birmingham. This will be the centrepiece of the ‘Unite for Jobs’ campaign. The March for Jobs will spotlight the need for urgent assistance to defend jobs.

To see what the Unite for Jobs demands are or for information on the march visit: action.unitetheunion.com

Source: Unite the Union

For further information, please contact Pauline Doyle on +44-(0)7976-832-861