Derby City Council has announced that it is seeking talks with Alstom in response to expected job losses at its Derby factory.
This is due to delays in future contracts, including the production of trains for HS2, which has led to reduced production of new rolling stock.
To mitigate the negative impacts of these delays, the Council is looking to work with Alstom to assist the company during this time. It is also urging the UK government to offer its support.
Alstom is the UK & Ireland’s leading supplier of trains. It is responsible for the production of just under 40% of the UK mainline train fleet, as well as the entire London Underground fleet.
It is one of Derby’s largest private employees with 2,000 highly skilled workers who design and build trains at its Derby Litchurch Lane site, the UK’s only train factory.
“The Litchurch Lane factory site is a unique asset for Derby and we understand the impact these job losses will have on our residents and the wider region. As a Council, we’re ready to play our part and urge the Government and unions to work closely with Alstom to ensure a sustainable future for the factory, which would not only benefit the thousands of staff at the site, but many more across the local supply chain.
“The rail sector is immensely important to the city, and was recognised earlier this year with Derby being named the home for the new Great British Railways headquarters. We stand with Alstom and their workers during this challenging time and pledge to support wherever we can.”
