Today in the Chamber, Matt Vickers MP asked the Minister of State for Rail and HS2 to do everything they can to protect jobs at Hitachi, after the company said it is reviewing "all remaining options" after it said no solution was found to plug a gap in train orders.
Current contracts at the rail giant's plant in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, are set to decline by October, with no new work in the short term, news reports have said.
The Department for Transport said it was working with all rolling stock manufacturers on the future pipeline of orders and are committed to supporting the entire sector.
Vickers has voiced serious concerns for the 700 employed, and their families, by the rail firm, who are at risk of unemployment.
By standing up for the workforce, Matt has hoped that the government will provide a solution to the woes plaguing the firm.
Commons exchange:
Matt Vickers MP:
Hitachi provides opportunities and high-skilled jobs, benefiting people right across the north-east, including a number in my constituency. Can my hon. Friend confirm that he will continue to look at every possible option to protect these jobs and the north-east’s incredible manufacturing capabilities?
Huw Merriman:
Yes, indeed. The team at Hitachi as well as Alstom will of course be working on the HS2 tender for 54 trains that will be coming their way. I am very keen to meet them, and I met Hitachi yesterday—albeit a different arm that is more on the signalling side. I am keen to work with the private sector. We are very proud of the train manufacturers we have in this country, and we want to ensure that they sustain and continue to get contracts, and not only from this country but, as I have mentioned, for exports. I really want to see exports, which is why I tend to go abroad to help champion exports in such markets.
