The Government has announced this afternoon that SSI Taskforce money cannot be repurposed to help workers at Boulby facing unemployment – but has agreed to make exceptional provision so that the flexibility around retraining that was offered to SSI workers will be extended to everyone who loses their job at Cleveland Potash.
Business Minister Andrew Griffiths told local MP Simon Clarke today that the Government cannot extend the remaining money left to the SSI Taskforce for job creation because it would set a precedent it cannot sustain for other firms making redundancies. The Business Department takes the view the closure of SSI and the response to this remain an exceptional case given the scale of the job losses there in 2015.
However, the Minister has granted the other two objectives that Mr Clarke and Taskforce Chief Executive Amanda Skelton pressed for when they met him for urgent talks in London last Monday.
The first of these is that the exceptional flexibilities that were made available for training activity for SSI workers will now also be available for Boulby workers. This includes the relaxation of the DWP’s 16-hour rule, which normally limits the number of training hours for benefit claimants, as well as the ability to part fund relevant qualifications in local colleges.
In her letter to Business Secretary Greg Clark earlier this month setting out the Taskforce’s requests, Ms Skelton explained, “These flexibilities have been critical in supporting the SSI workers and have been identified as a lesson for broader application.”
The second objective the Minister has agreed is that he will give the Taskforce “full support” to negotiate with ICL Group, who own Cleveland Potash, to agree their contribution to a support package. He has agreed he will meet the company as part of the process of ensuring they uphold their responsibilities to their workforce and the local economy.
Simon Clarke MP said, “Ensuring every single person who loses their job at Cleveland Potash receives the best possible opportunity to train and find work is my top priority and I welcome the way the Government has agreed to make special arrangements to help Boulby workers. It’s usually the case that anyone on JSA who is training for more than sixteen hours a week sees their benefits reduce – that won’t happen in this case and this will ensure everyone can go and reskill, or gain certification, without worrying about losing money.
“I’m disappointed about the outcome of our request to unlock the remaining Taskforce money – I’ve fought hard for this and Amanda and I made a passionate presentation to the Minister last week. The East Cleveland economy is a difficult place for well-paying jobs and the mine is the anchor employer. But the decision is the decision and the flexibilities we’ve secured today made what Amanda calls a ‘critical’ difference in supporting former SSI workers.
“This comes on top of the really excellent provision the DWP’s Rapid Response Team is preparing locally – I met Sindy and Claire ten days ago and their commitment to supporting everyone at Boulby is second to none. Their work, together with the new recruitment and training hub opening in Skinningrove this Thursday, which has support from Sirius Minerals among others, will ensure nobody is left behind. I’ve also had great offers of support from other firms like Barclays, who’ve offered to help with digital training, interview practice and CV writing.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said, ““I commend Simon Clarke MP and Taskforce chair Amanda Skelton for their work securing flexibilities to retrain the Boulby workers. The job loss announcement over a fortnight ago was a hammer blow to communities in East Cleveland, but I hope today’s news goes some way to support those affected.
“My officers at the Tees Valley Combined Authority are working hand in glove with the DWP’s Rapid Response Service, and the local authority, to provide real, practical support on the ground. I would again urge workers to get in touch with my office if they need advice and support.”