Unemployment in Teesside could reach 9%
The potential closure of Teesside Cast Products (TCP) could send the unemployment rate in the North East to record highs, says Community, the Union representing a majority of Corus employees.
Community Union National Executive Council Member Richard Green said:
‘Teesside Cast Products directly employs 1,920 people as well as close to 2,000 contractors. This alone would have a huge impact on the local economy but the knock on effect to the local community, the drop in spending on the high street and the loss of income for the Council could mean closer to 10,000 people will lose their jobs.
This would push the local unemployment rate to 9%, higher than at any time in the last decade.’
Community Union General Secretary Michael J. Leahy said:
‘Now is the time for action before there are further job losses. The Steel Industry is the backbone of British manufacturing and we must ensure that Steel in Teesside is fit for the future not fit for the scrap heap.’
Community Union is hosting a meeting to discuss the future of steel making on Teesside, at 7:30 pm, Wednesday 8th July 2009 at the Corus Steel Club, Dormanstown. Richard Green will be chairing the meeting and will be joined by General Secretary Michael J. Leahy OBE, representatives from other unions, Mr Williamson Director of Business & Industry ONE North East and Mr Bolton, managing director Corus TCP.