Derby City Council has responded to Alstom’s announcement that it plans to end rolling stock production in the city.
Following talks with the government, Alstom has informed the Council that it is now planning to cease rolling stock production at its Litchurch Lane facility in Derby.
This is due to delays in future contracts, including the production of trains for HS2, which has caused a significant gap in the manufacturer’s production plan from early next year. Alstom is then not expected to start work on the HS2 trains until late 2026.
As a result, it will begin a redundancy consultation for its Derby manufacturing staff, which will coincide with the end of its current projects. This will put more than 1,300 jobs at risk in the city.
In September, Derby City Council announced that it was seeking talks with Alstom in response to these expected job losses. Now, Councillor Baggy Shanker, leader of Derby City Council has expressed his disappointment that a solution has not been found.
Alstom is currently one of Derby’s largest private employees with 2,000 highly skilled workers based at the UK’s largest train factory. The rail sector is thus important to the city, as was recognised by its selection for the site of the Great British Railways headquarters.
“We've been informed by Alstom that after months of talks with Government, they must now plan to end the production of rolling stock within the city and will be starting a redundancy consultation affecting Derby manufacturing staff, coinciding with the end of current projects.
“The Litchurch Lane factory site is a unique asset for Derby and the UK and we understand the impact these supply chain job losses will have on our residents and the wider region.
“We’ve been working closely with Alstom, Unite and senior Government officials to explore potential resolutions to the current situation since the announcement of possible job cuts back in September and we're saddened to hear that a solution has not yet been possible. Minsters really need to commit and focus on this vital industrial sector. To date I’m disappointed that no Minister has agreed to speak to us on this matter.
“We stand with Alstom and their workers during this disappointing time and continue to support wherever we can.”
