Unite condemns closure of Ericsson R&D site in Coventry
10th November 2009
Unite, the UK’s largest union, has condemned today’s
announcement by Ericsson to close its site at Ansty Park in
Coventry with the loss of 700 jobs.
The announcement has been a particular shock to workers as this
R&D site was only opened in May this year.
Commenting on the closure, Unite national officer, Peter Skyte
said: “This has come as a bolt out of the blue for the workforce
and their families who were looking forward to a promising future
in this newly opened site.
“The former Marconi entity acquired by Ericsson a few years ago
was among the top ten investors in R&D in the UK and successive
governments have maintained the illusion that the country of
ownership of a company is immaterial.
"But this decision by Ericsson to close the Ansty Coventry site
and withdraw its R&D work from the UK now shatters this
illusion, throws highly skilled workers out of work, and robs the
UK of key technological development vital for its future.”
Unite intends to resist the proposals made and support its
membership in preserving their jobs.
ENDS
For further information contact: Unite press officer Liane
Groves 07793 661 657
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