Sarah Champion MP Calls on Government to Support Engineering Workers Facing Redundancy

Sarah Champion, Member of Parliament for Rotherham today called for the Government to do everything that it can to support workers at Rolls Royce and McLaren who are facing redundancy as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Both Rolls Royce and McLaren have significant facilities at Rotherham’s Advanced Manufacturing Park. Rolls Royce has announced 9,000 job loses, of which two thirds are expected to be in the UK. McLaren has announced 1,200 job losses.

Speaking during Work and Pensions Questions, Sarah asked:

“Covid-19 has had a huge impact upon manufacturing, particularly the automotive and aviation industries. In Rotherham, McLaren and Rolls Royce are facing redundancies. So, as well as Universal Credit, can the Minister please outline what package of support he can put in place for these highly skilled workers if job losses come their way?

Responding for the Government, the Minister for Welfare Delivery, Will Quince said:

“Any job loss is regrettable, and we stand ready at the Department to support people who do find themselves in that position.”

Commenting on the need to support workers facing redundancy, Sarah said:

“The coronavirus pandemic has placed enormous pressure on the engineering sector. With contraction across the economy expected, these are likely to be extremely challenging times for engineering workers and their families.’

‘With both Rolls Royce and McLaren having already announced substantial job losses in the UK, many workers, including in Rotherham, are facing an uncertain future. These are well paid, highly skilled jobs and their loss could have a devastating impact on our local economies. It is vital that the Government does everything that it can to support those made redundant.”

Commenting on the need to defend the engineering sector, Sarah said:

“The engineering businesses based at Rotherham’s Advanced Manufacturing Park are amongst the crown jewels of our local economy. Throughout the pandemic, I have fought for the government to defend this vital sector. The sector needs determined and committed backing from the government, and I will be doing everything I can to ensure that it receives it.’