Stunell Slams "complacency" Over Lost Jobs

12.00.00am GMT Fri 15th Nov 2002

Local MP, Andrew Stunell quizzed the Treasury Minister in Parliament last week over the continued downturn in job prospects for people in the North West manufacturing industry.

Mr Stunell said, "The Government must stop dragging its heals and take decisive action to tackle this unsatisfactory state of affairs. We have a unique skills base in the North West that must be retained and put to productive use if the UK is to prosper in the long term."

In the Hazel Grove constituency manufacturing jobs have been severely hit by the closure of Strines Textiles and a huge number of people have lost their jobs at BAE Woodford following the cancellation of the RJX civil aircraft this year.

Mr Stunell commented, "Minor tax credits offered by the Government are not enough to halt this down turn. The Government must act now on this issue as livelihoods of ordinary people in the North West are dependant on this industry."