Member Article

Response group to offer help to more than 200 redundant workers

More than 200 workers facing redundancy have found help in the form of a public response group, which will assist them to find new jobs and offer retraining.

233 people will lose their jobs form the Filtrona factory, which make filters for cigarettes, after a decline in smoking demand caused “disappointing, but not unexpected” job losses.

Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn said: “I am very disappointed with the announcement. Changing smoking habits across the world have led to a decline in cigarette consumption, which has badly affected the company.

“Hopefully, the support package put in place by the local authority and the company will assist those employees who are facing redundancy get back into employment as quickly as possible.”

The package will be chaired by the council and will include representatives form One North East, Business Link, Jobcentre Plus and Nextstep.

Coun Michael Clare, South Tyneside Council’s lead member for jobs, enterprise and regeneration, said: “The group is working with the company to achieve the best possible outcome for the redundant staff.

“Filtrona has appointed a specialist outplacement manager at the factory for the 233 employees affected by this decision

“As departures are going to be phased over the next 12 months, the response group is confident there is sufficient time to help many workers find new jobs, or perhaps start their own businesses.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .