In response to Rolls-Royces Half Year results, published on 6th August, which showed improved performance, I am urging Rolls-Roye to not forget about workers at the two Rolls-Royce sites in Barnoldswick.
Whilst Rolls-Royce have recently invested over £100million at the Rolls-Royce Barnoldswick sites, significant falls in the demand for components made at the sites is having a big impact with further job losses announced earlier this year.
We remain in uncertain times for local Rolls-Royce workers and their families. I remain deeply concerned by the number of redundancies made by the company in recent years and will do whatever I can to protect jobs in Barnoldswick. Rolls-Royce has assured me previously that there is a long-term future for their local sites and their recent level of investment is welcome. However, we need to see these sites gaining more work going forward, especially components for the future generation of engines, to ensure more job security for Pendle residents.
I have spoken to the Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce, Warren East, about the Barnoldswick sites. I also meet regularly with the trade union representatives. Following the change in Business Secretary in the recent reshuffle I met with the new Secretary of State Andrea Leadsom and have raised the needs of Barnoldswick with her. I will continue to put forward Pendle’s business needs to Ministerial colleagues and hope Rolls-Royce nationally see that our area has the talent, skill and motivation that is truly worthy of investment.
