BID TO HELP FLYBE WORKERS
AN urgent response group will swing into action this week to respond to the collapse of Flybe at the end of last week.
The goup has been set up including Devon County Council, Exeter and East Devon councils, the Heart of the South West local enterprise partnership, Exeter College and Exeter Airport.
A series of job fairs are being organised, with the first set to take place at Exeter Corn Exchange next Tuesday.
The local partnership will meet with Exeter Airport next Wednesday to build a business case to present to the Department for Transport, setting out a list of essential key routes that are crucial to the success of the government’s national “levelling-up” agenda.
The group will also explore future opportunities at Exeter Airport including “freeport” status, competitive advantages from being part of an Enterprise Zone, and the development of innovative solutions to lower carbon aviation. Initial discussions have been held with Kelly Tolhurst MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the DfT, to make the Minister aware of the economic impact of the loss of Flybe and state the case for additional investment in Devon.
Cllr Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet member for economy and Skills, said: “Flybe staff and other businesses that relied on the airline will no doubt still be reeling from what has happened, and it’s with them in mind that the local authorities are working together to offer urgent support. There has been some good news with Loganair and Aurigny taking up routes and we will hope for further similar announcements which may provide job opportunities.
“We need businesses to tell us which routes they consider to be absolutely vital to help inform the business case that we’ll be calling for the Department for Transport to support.” Cllr Ben Ingham, leader of East Devon District Council, said: “Flybe was the largest private sector employer in East Devon and our first concern is for all the people who have been affected by the collapse of the company. I am very pleased that we have been able to work with our partners, quickly putting together a programme of events to help people in this way.
“More widely, we will engage with government to ensure that a package of support helps the area recover from this shock and that our airport continues to play its vital role in the local economy.”
Exeter City Council leader Phil Bialyk said he was devastated by the news and the council was doing everything possible to help out with those affected.
“There are hundreds of families that will be worrying about the future, about their careers and their livelihoods. As a city, we will be there first and foremost to help them out and give them support during these difficult times,” he said.
Rob Bosworth, vice principal and deputy chief executive at Exeter College, said: “After working with the Flybe Training Academy for over 10 years we were extremely sad to see the company cease trading. We are currently working to ensure that our students and apprentices, from both Flybe and those currently taught in the Flybe facility, can continue their studies with as little disruption as possible. Their education, welfare and support is our top priority.
“We are fortunate that we have excellent Exeter College staff, who deliver these programmes. Our wider support teams will ensure that all learners and staff are supported through this transition. Exeter College are fully committed to the local and regional solutions being discussed to ensure we have a thriving airport and aviation sector.”
Employers or agencies with vacancies that may be interested taking a stand at the Exeter jobs fair event can register via eventbrite. Registration will close on Monday 9 March at 9am. It’s free to attend, just bring along vacancy details.
There are hundreds of families that will be worrying about the future, about their careers and their livelihoods EXETER CITY COUNCIL LEADER PHIL BIALYK