Derby City Council is looking to have talks with Alstom after an announcement was made stating that job losses are expected at its Derby train factory due to issues with future contracts.
The Council says it wants to support the company and has urged the Government to work with Alstom as it looks to mitigate a major fall off in production due to delays in new orders.
Alstom has, is doing, or is planning to build just under 40% of the UK's train fleet as well as the entire fleet of London Underground trains.
Alstom employs 2000 people at the Derby Litchurch Lane site.
Councillor Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council, said he would be taking steps to work with the city employer to understand how Derby City Council could assist and support.
“We're shocked to hear the national media coverage today. The Litchurch Lane factory site is a unique asset for Derby and we understand the impact these job losses will have on our residents and the wider region.
As a Council, we're ready to play our part and urge the Government and unions to work closely with Alstom to ensure a sustainable future for the factory, which would not only benefit the thousands of staff at the site, but many more across the local supply chain.
The rail sector is immensely important to the city, and was recognised earlier this year with Derby being named the home for the new Great British Railways headquarters. We stand with Alstom and their workers during this challenging time and pledge to support wherever we can.”
It will be sad if this train manufacturing plant in Derby is to Close permanently then that means UK trains will have to be built in another country away from the UK. I think that Alstom and Derby City Council should keep jobs going at Alstom Litchurch Lane manufacturing plant. And to continue with the mass production of the Class 3xx and Class 7xx Aventra electric/EBMU trains and perhaps Alstom to manufacture new London Underground tube trains for the Bakerloo Line.