200 jobs at risk under proposal to close cable factory in city

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Saturday, February 11, 2012
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Derby Telegraph

TWO hundred jobs are under threat at a cable-making factory in Derby.

The Draka Cables plant in Alfreton Road, which has been in operation for 85 years, could close in December, staff were told yesterday.

Unions will begin talks with management about the plans on Monday.

Annmarie Kilcline, the East Midlands co-ordinator for the Unite union: said: "The plans are to stop production in Derby and move it other sites in the country.

"We will enter talks with the company and try to have the decision changed and keep the work in Derby. There's a good workforce here. At this stage, they are proposals and the workers want to avoid the factory closing."

Derby North MP Chris Williamson said the potential job losses were a huge blow for the city.

He said: "Derby has a high percentage of jobs in the high-tech areas and it is this that needs to be protected.

"The Government needs to move into action and save these kinds of jobs or we are headed for disaster."

The changes to UK operations by parent company Prysmian would also affect a Draka distribution centre in Rugby, Warwickshire.

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7 Comments

  • Profile image for 1953Eric

    by 1953Eric

    Sunday, February 12 2012, 11:37PM

    “So then Chris Williamson ( CWDNMP2010 )
    Re:- Economic growth.
    Which model of locally manufactured car do you have?”

  • Profile image for jockyb

    by jockyb

    Saturday, February 11 2012, 11:58PM

    “Ahh Mr Williamson, and if we're lumbered with another Labour Govt after the next general election, just how are we the taxpayers going to fund this economic growth, you say they will commit to? Just how much will the UK have to borrow (from our sons and grandsons futures) to pay for this?
    Social justice and fairness?? Your having a laugh. The last Labour Govt saw massive immigration and movement into this country (both legal and illegal) Where's the justice and fairness, in Eastern Europeans getting the first refusal of "British jobs for British workers?" (a line borrowed from one of your comrades in Westminster), when so many British people are unemployed? It certainly benefits employers who only have to pay the minimum wage to some unqualified workforce, who are doing jobs now that used to require qualifications (probably still require those qualifications, but what the hey, employers are happy).
    The outgoing Chancellor left a note on the Treasury desk saying "There's nothing left." Did he think the state your party left the UK in was a joking matter?”

  • Profile image for WelshInvader

    by WelshInvader

    Saturday, February 11 2012, 11:49PM

    “How can you change the governments measures? They are the ONLY course left to us after 13 years of disasterous Labour rule with its profligate spending of money we dont have and its vastly bloated public sector.

    To all the labour voters out there - if you want someone to blame, look in the mirror, because YOU voted the Labour idiots in.”

  • Profile image for CWDNMP2010

    by CWDNMP2010

    Saturday, February 11 2012, 11:35PM

    “Stay positive though 'mushrooms' and I'm sure you'll encourage your son to do likewise.

    Remember, when the future of the Bombardier looked hopeless, after the Government announced it was awarding the Thameslink contract to Germany, we launched a campaign to save the plant. Now the short-term future of the Derby factory has been secured.

    We can come through this difficult time and build a better society again, just like my mother & father's generation did after WW2.

    It's important that we keep hope alive because hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things.”

  • Profile image for mushrooms

    by mushrooms

    Saturday, February 11 2012, 9:20PM

    “I thank you for your efforts. However, it gets more and more difficult to remain positive and keep fighting as time goes on. It seems like one blow after another at the moment. My son hopes to go to university in two years time after studying for 'A' levels. Sadly, it won't be his ability that prevents him from doing so.”

  • Profile image for CWDNMP2010

    by CWDNMP2010

    Saturday, February 11 2012, 8:36PM

    “I have been pressing the Government to invest in the economy and drop its counterproductive austerity measures that are doing so much damage to our economy.

    I was also petitioning in sub-zero temperatures in Derby city centre today to secure signatures for our petition against this Government's plans to privatise the NHS.

    I will certainly play my part, but I need the support of the people like 'mushrooms' and the wider general public to force a rethink by Government.

    And ultimately to replace the current Government with a Labour Government committed to economic growth, social justice and fairness.”

  • Profile image for mushrooms

    by mushrooms

    Saturday, February 11 2012, 5:46PM

    “Yet again, a Derby workforce lose out - this time to the Italians (Prysmian). Yet again, promises were made that weren't kept - 'your jobs are safe'.
    Yes, Chris Williamson, the potential job losses are a huge blow for the city - but do you and yours intend to do anything about it?
    The government's done nothing for us. My husband stands to lose his job, whilst I'm employed by the NHS - say no more!”

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