Graham Evans holds emergency meeting as hundreds of local jobs at risk : Graham Evans, Conservative MP for Weaver Vale
Graham Evans, Conservative MP for Weaver Vale

Graham Evans holds emergency meeting as hundreds of local jobs at risk

Graham Evans MP hosted an emergency meeting in Parliament with senior figures from DHL and Usdaw, following the announcement by B&Q that they were planning on withdrawing all business from the Distribution Site at Preston Brook and opening a new site in Swindon. Labour Widnes MP Derek Twigg also joined the meeting.

Workers have been informed that following a review of the logistics network, B&Q plan to withdraw all operations from the site at Preston Brook by January 2012. The announcement looks likely affect 615 local DHL employees.

The meeting was constructive and all sides have agreed to work together to do all they can to save the jobs of over 600 local workers.

Graham said "This potentially is a really big blow for the area. I arranged this emergency meeting, so that we can act fast to do all we can to save local jobs."

"I am pleased that Derek was also able to attend this meeting. When local jobs are under threat, I think it is important that we put aside party politics and work together for the good of the area."

Graham will now be seeking a similar emergency meeting with senior figures at B&Q, to make the case for Preston Brook and the local workers. In addition, Graham will be lobbying the North West Regional Development Agency, to explore the possibility of any assistance or grants being provided to encourage B&Q to keep operating in the region.

Graham said "I am determined to do all I can to fight for local jobs and stand up for our area in these tough economic times. There is no doubt that this is a crucial period for all businesses and that there are many difficult decisions ahead. I am hopeful that next week's emergency budget will take the necessary first steps to tackle the national debt crisis and help get Britain working again."

June 2010