AN MP has contacted an employer proposing to close a factory in his constituency seeking assurances about employees who may lose their jobs.
Rishi Sunak, MP for Richmond, contacted the multi-national company 3M after it announced plans to close its Northallerton works with the loss of almost 60 staff and contractors.
The company has initiated a 90-day consultation exercise on its proposal to close the factory on the Standard Way Industrial Estate and transfer the work to its other plants.
Mr Sunak said 3M’s proposal to close the factory with a loss of quality manufacturing jobs was very disappointing.
He said: “I have been in touch with 3M since the announcement to make sure that, should the closure go-ahead, that the staff have every opportunity and assistance to find alternative employment, if that is their wish.”
Mr Sunak said he was pleased to have received assurances from 3M that the company would offer a full out-placement service of assistance to employees to help them find jobs.
It would also ensure they were able to apply for vacancies at other 3M plants around the UK, including its factory at Newton Aycliffe.
3M had further pledged comprehensive redundancy packages for those longstanding employees who wished to retire.
Mr Sunak said: “I am pleased with the measures 3M plans to take should the closure proposal go-ahead. I will continue to engage with 3M to ensure they follow through and will also offer any assistance I can to help the affected staff.”