Unite, the UK’s leading union, has strongly welcomed the announcement today (Monday 18 October) that Ford will build its new electric drive units at its factory in Halewood, Merseyside.

Future secured

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This investment is excellent news for the highly skilled workforce at Halewood as it secures the future of the plant.

 “It is absolutely imperative that the government does not see this investment as a one off but supports similar schemes to ensure the entire UK automotive industry experiences a smooth transition in the move to build electric vehicles.”

Jobs protected

Unite understands that the new electric drive units  will be installed in both the company's  passenger and commercial vehicles. The majority of the new investment is being provided by Ford but the government has also provided financial support for the project.

The investment will protect between 500 jobs at the Halewood plant and there is the prospect of between 400–700 jobs being created.

Long-term project

Unite national officer Des Quinn said: “The union has been working behind the scenes to ensure that the jobs of our members at Halewood were protected.

 “Unite is absolutely dedicated to protect the jobs, pay and conditions of all our members and is working to ensure that similar projects are adopted throughout the UK’s world class automotive sector.”

Rapid charging 

Unite is also campaigning to ensure that the government rapidly improves the infrastructure regarding rapid electric charging points in order to make it far easier for consumers to transfer to electric vehicles.

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]

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.