Latest news with #HazelSimmons
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Luton taskforce to act 'with urgency' after Vauxhall closure
A council has set up a group to support former Vauxhall workers with what it called the "significant economic and social impact" of the factory's estimated 1,200 employees were affected by Stellantis's decision to shut the Luton plant in March, 120 years after it started manufacturing Simmons, Labour leader of Luton Council, said the closure "was a profound moment for our town, and we needed to act with unity, urgency, and ambition".A taskforce met to discuss how to limit the economic impact and provide future jobs and growth for the area. It was set up by Luton Council with the support of central government and the minister for industry, who delivered the opening Sarah Jones said: "We know this will be a concerning time for Stellantis employees and their families, and we fully support the work of the Luton Taskforce to help those affected through this process."The Kimpton Road site has been bought by property group Goodman, which said it would spend £400m regenerating the site into a "high-quality commercial and industrial park".Goodman said its investment in the industrial estate could create more than 1,700 jobs, once works were completed in 2028. The taskforce will come up with proposals to central government "for a comprehensive economic response package for Luton".It will focus on "immediate support for affected workers and their families" as well as "longer-term regeneration" of the town, including providing skills and retraining will also recognise Luton's industrial heritage by developing a plan to "ensure the legacy of over 120 years of car and van manufacturing".Simmons said: "This is in line with our economic growth strategy, which sets out a clear vision for creating a stronger, and more productive economy, which delivers greater opportunities for our residents, improves their everyday lives and ensures that no one is left behind." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Luton Vauxhall plant will close in April
The owner of Vauxhall has told staff it will close its Luton van-making factory in April. Stellantis announced it would shut the site, which has been making vehicles since 1905, in November as it planned to move its electric van production to its other UK plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. After work ceases in Luton, machinery will be transferred to Ellesmere Port and production on Vauxhall's medium all-electric vans will commence in 2026. The Labour leader of Luton Council, Hazel Simmons, described it as a "devastating blow to Luton and the livelihood of the workers". She said: "Vauxhall has been an integral part of Luton's heritage for decades. "We did what we could to try and stop this closure going ahead and I feel angry that this decision will massively impact the lives of so many people." Stellantis, which also owns Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat, previously said rules imposed to speed up the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK had partly driven its decision. Current rules state that EVs must make up 22% of a manufacturer's car sales this year, and 10% of van sales. In December the government called for the car firm to review its plans to close the factory. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds wrote to the company asking for it "pause" redundancies to enable more time for discussions "about options to keep the plant open". Responding to reports the site would close in April he said: "This news will be deeply concerning for the employees at Luton who will be affected and their families. "We will continue to work closely with [Stellantis], the trade unions and Luton Council to put in place measures to support the local community." Stellantis said it would invest £50m in the Ellesmere Port plant as it became the firm's UK commercial vehicle hub. It said employees affected by job losses would receive support including financial aid, retraining and wellness sessions. In a statement, it said: "The required consultation period with Unite the Union, which has been detailed and constructive, has now finished and we are engaging with all interested parties to ensure that the employees have the best possible advice for their future. "These employees are our priority and we will continue to act responsibly towards those in Luton." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Vauxhall owner to close Luton plant Fears for van plant's long term future due to Brexit Jobs to go at Vauxhall Motors due to chip crisis Vauxhall closure set to have '£310m impact on Luton' Unite the Union Stellantis
BBC News
29-01-2025
- Business
- BBC News
'Bold leader' Robin Porter steps down from Luton Borough Council
A council chief executive has announced he is to step down after six years in the role, citing personal Porter was officially appointed to the role at Luton Borough Council in May 2019."I make this announcement with the deepest regret, but also with absolute confidence that it's the right decision for my family, for me and for the council," he said."For some time I've been dealing with a difficult situation in my private life because of the serious and ongoing illness of my wife." Mr Porter, who will leave in three months' time, continued: "I now find myself in a position where I must either compromise on the care and attention I can provide to my wife and son, or on how effectively I perform my role for the council. "Clearly neither of these options is tenable. With the scale of agenda that's in place and the level of ambition we hold, I don't believe it would be right to have a chief executive who can't commit 100% to achieving it."He said it had been "the honour of my life to serve this brilliant organisation and our amazing town".Hazel Simmons, Labour leader of the council, said it had been "a pleasure" to work alongside Mr Porter."His bold leadership, particularly around the Luton 2040 vision, has helped position Luton as a trailblazer in driving inclusive growth and tackling inequalities," she said."I will be eternally grateful for his work in steering the organisation through a global pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis, and sustained financial pressures on our services. "His legacy will leave the organisation much better equipped to face these types of challenges in the future." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
