The MP for Telford, Lucy Allan, will be joining GKN workers tomorrow, in Westminster, as they lobby for Government intervention in Melrose PLC’s proposed takeover of the engineering giant, GKN, which has a site in Telford.
Melrose’s £7.4bn bid for GKN is currently under scrutiny and there are fears that a successful takeover could lead to job cuts and the shifting of parts of the business overseas. Melrose PLC specialise in operationally improving industrial companies, before selling them on for a profit.
Since learning of the proposed takeover, Ms Allan has sought assurances from the Government on jobs and operations, as well as the pensions of GKN staff both at Telford’s Hadley Park and at other UK sites.
She has also made representations, directly, to the Business Secretary, Greg Clark during a face to face meeting in Parliament and to the Work and Pensions Secretary, Esther McVey during Parliamentary questions.
Commenting on tomorrow’s lobby at Parliament, Ms Allan said:
“I fully understand how difficult this is for GKN workers. I am committed to fighting to protect their jobs.
"GKN has a proud history and very strong ties to Telford, with several hundred staff currently employed at the Telford site.
“The company are great pioneers of technology, innovation and research, and are industry leaders contributing to the Government’s Industrial Strategy.
"It is therefore vital that there are assurances in place to protect GKN pensions and to provide long-term investment in operations and jobs in Telford."
Photo - Lucy Allan MP with GKN staff and Unite the Union representatives
ENDS