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Job losses raised in Parliament

Gavin Hird
28/ 2/2007

THE DECISION to axe 700 jobs at Macclesfield's AstraZeneca plant was raised in the House of Commons last week by the town's MP Sir Nicholas Winterton.

He sought assurances from the government that soaring energy costs would not result in more widespread job losses in the manufacturing industry.

He said: "AstraZeneca, the largest employer in my constituency, announced 700 job losses at its manufacturing site in Macclesfield.

"I am pleased to say that the job losses will be spread over three years, but one of the reasons the company gave for that decision was the cost of energy.

"Can the government give any advice or assistance on that question, because the shedding of 700 manufacturing jobs in a high technology industry such as pharmaceuticals is a very dangerous and unfortunate development."

Sir Nick received a response from the Minister of State for Industry and the Regions, Margaret Hodge. She said: "I share the Honourable Gentleman's concern about the loss of jobs in his constituency, although I would draw his attention to the fact that we perform well in the pharmaceutical sector.

"The government needs to continue to provide the conditions that will enable that to continue into the future.

"That means providing the right business environment and ensuring that we invest in research and development so that we have the innovation necessary to keep us one step ahead."

The MP for Barking added: "The Honourable Gentleman is also right to draw attention to the fact that energy prices last year did create difficulties for many sectors of industry."