Representatives of Unite, the UK’s leading union, along with Jack Dromey MP, today (Thursday 4 March) met with Kwasi Kwarteng MP, the secretary of state for business enterprise and industrial strategy, about the future of the GKN factory in Birmingham.

 

The meeting was highly positive and Mr Kwarteng committed the government to further discussions about how the future of the factory can be secured

 

Factory closure fears

 

The meeting was held following the announcement in late January by the factory’s owners, GKN/Melrose that it is set to close in 18 months time with the loss of over 500 jobs.

 

The factory produces drivelines for automotives with its biggest customer being JLR.

 

Broken promises

 

Venture capitalists Melrose acquired GKN in 2018 following a hostile takeover and made clear commitments to investors and shareholders that it would invest in the business and create a ‘UK manufacturing powerhouse’.

 

During the meeting Unite raised the issue that if if Melrose refuses to rethink its decision then the government should review whether the company should continue to receive public sector grants, when it is selling out UK workers by exporting their jobs to Europe.

 

Survival plan

 

Unite has established a team of senior officials, shop stewards from the factory and local politicians, including Mr Dromey, to develop a rescue plan to keep the plant open. This will not be a quick fix but a longer term initiative. Unite will be asking the government to support the development of that rescue plan.

 

Jobs being exported

 

Unite national officer Des Quinn said: “Melrose is guilty of breaking its commitments to shareholders and investors. It claimed it wanted to build a UK powerhouse, but the reality is it is planning to export UK jobs to Europe.

 

“Unite made the case to the business secretary that this is a highly viable factory that has a vital role in delivering the green and sustainable automotive sector that is essential for the success of the UK’s manufacturing sector.

 

“Support for the factory is also essential to protect its supply chain and to deliver on the government’s levelling up agenda.

 

“It was a very positive meeting and Mr Kwarteng committed the government to further discussions to properly explore all options to keep the Birmingham factory open.

 

“During the meeting Unite raised the issue of how GKN/Melrose can be eligible for government support and grants when it is intent on exporting jobs abroad.”

 

Parliament misled

 

Last month Unite called on Simon Peckham, the chief executive of Melrose PLC, to correct his evidence to the Business Energy and Industrial Strategy select committee. Mr Peckham wrongly told MPs that the GKN Birmingham factory was only an “assembly plant”, when it has manufacturing capabilities. Mr Peckham also misdirected MPs by suggesting the work would be transferred to its factory in Bisenzio in Italy, which Unite understands is not the case.

 

ENDS

 

Notes to editors:

 

During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.

 

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

 

Email: [email protected]

 

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Instagram: unitetheunion Web: unitetheunion.org

 

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.