After months of talks with Government, Alstom is planning to end the production of rolling stock in Derby and will be starting a redundancy consultation affecting manufacturing staff, matching up with the end of current projects.
It sees around 1,300 jobs put at risk at the Litchurch Lane factory following a dwindling order book due to HS2 setbacks.
Alstom is the UK & Ireland’s leading supplier of new trains and train services, having built, or building, just under 40% of the UK mainline train fleet; as well as the entire fleets in service with London Underground.
The company is one of Derby’s largest private sector employers, employing 2,000 highly skilled people who design and build trains at their Derby Litchurch site, which is the UK’s only train factory.
Leader of Derby City Council, Councillor Baggy Shanker, commented on the future of Alstom’s train manufacturing within Derby: “We’ve been informed by Alstom this morning 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.
“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 disappointing time and continue to support wherever we can.”
