Rolls-royce factory workers’ job fears
CONCERN THAT SITE IS BEING USED TO ‘FATTEN THE TURKEY’ IN DEAL TO SELL OFF COMPANY
EMPLOYEES at Hucknall’s historic Rolls-royce factory, which is now under new ownership, have raised concerns for the future of their jobs as a £1.5 billion pound deal looms on the horizon.
In May last year Rolls-royce announced plans to cut 8,000 jobs across the world as its shares dropped to the lowest levels in 16 years amid the pandemic.
The workforce at the Hucknall site was saved, but plans were set in motion to transfer the factory to its subsidiary company ITP Aero.
From yesterday, Rolls-royce workers started working wholly for ITP Aero.
But Rolls-royce has now opened bidding to sell off ITP Aero, and hopes to recoup £1.5bn.
One company that is eyeing up the purchase is Spanish aerospace company Aciturri Aeronautica.
A member of staff and Derby and Hucknall Works and Staff Trade Union Committees representative told the Post that the transition from Rolls-royce to ITP Aero had so far been “fine”, with the only noticeable change being “the badge on our shirts”.
However, they fear there are no guarantees once ITP Aero is sold.
He said: “We do not know who we are going to be sold to. There are no guarantees as to jobs.”
ITP Aero is a Spanish company that makes engines and turbines.
According to reports, the Spanish government could potentially block the sale if assurances are not given over Spanish jobs under the new owner.
The Hucknall staff member added: “We know some other contacts in Spain are trying to get all sorts of conditions on the sale to protect their jobs.
“We want our Government to put similar things on the terms of sale.
“We have asked for clarity around workload and guarantees when we are sold, but Rolls-royce has said they cannot do that.
“It could affect the sale price if there are more conditions. They are giving us nothing. They are just getting the cash in to pay the creditors.
“Everyone is down in the dumps
about it. I feel a bit sorry for ITP, they seem like a good company, but it feels we have just been bolted on to fatten up the turkey.
“ITP have been nothing but straight with us, but they could be walking into a difficult situation in the future.
“Some of the guys here have lots of years of service and it is a really big thing for Hucknall and the families here.
“Out of the 600 of us, there are around 150-odd who are from Hucknall.
“We now want to raise the profile with MPS and the Government.”
Rolls-royce previously said jobs would not be affected, but workers at the Itp-owned site fear it will not be the engineering company’s decision whether jobs are kept, once under new ownership.
An ITP Aero spokesman said: “ITP Aero is retaining all Hucknall employees as well as the strong management team, led by Ian Williamson.
“In addition, as part of ITP Aero, Hucknall will be able to compete for business from other engine makers in the industry and target new growth and investment opportunities.“