Flood-hit factory workers in Leeds secure new employment

Yorkshire HR specialists have found new employment for the workers from ThyssenKrupp Woodhead, the Leeds-based suspension coil spring factory which was severely damaged in the Christmas floods.

Bev Ashby Associates worked with the Kirkstall Road-based site, which manufactured springs for the automotive industry, to place affected workers in new roles.

70 former employees will now take on new roles in other manufacturing businesses in the region, with the remaining choosing self-employment or retirement.

ThyssenKrupp Woodhead was under 4ft of water and suffered severe damage following the Boxing Day floods in December. It had been in operation since 1860s when the decision to close it came in April, putting all 93 employees at risk.

Bev Ashby, from the Yorkshire outplacement company, said: “The majority of the employees had worked for the business for a long time – many for more than 30 years.

“For some, it was their first and only job role and they were very loyal to the organisation and they were all very disappointed at the news the factory was going to close.

“I understand what it’s like to be in this situation. It’s not just losing your job; it’s also losing your friends and your sense of self. So we offered emotional support as well as practical services like how to write a CV and applying for a new role.

“We recognised they were going to need support to rebuild their confidence, so we provided information to help them think through their opportunities and to develop skills to aid their job search and provided practical information on finances as well as emotional and wellbeing support.

“It was clear that the employees were at different stages in their career and lives and the support would need to cater for all of these so we also offered workshops on retirement and self-employment so that the former employees understood all the options available to them in today’s job market.”

Jon Sandground, ThyssenKrupp Woodhead managing director, added: “We were shocked and saddened by what happened to the Kirkstall Road site as a result of the Boxing Day floods.

“So, I am absolutely thrilled that working with Bev Ashby and her team, we have been able to support all our former employees as they transition to their new lives.

“Bev and her team took the time to really get to know our business and our employees at a time of significant turbulence and became an extension of the HR team.

“They provided a personal, tailored service and have a pragmatic, down to earth style which meant they could easily assimilate themselves to our employees and their culture.

“It is because of them that this difficult process has been such a success. They stepped outside of my normal expectation of outplacement, developing business relationships and contacts in our local area which significantly increased our employees’ chances of moving on.

“They acted with compassion and professionalism and truly supported the business culminating with fantastic feedback from our employees whose confidence increased through coaching and one to one support and more importantly it meant positive outcomes and futures secured.

“I wish all our former employees the best for the future.”

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