Responding to today’s news of up to 230 job losses at Cleveland Potash, Simon Clarke MP said:
“This is a devastating announcement for workers at Boulby and a huge blow to the communities of East Cleveland. It’s them I’m thinking of today and my message is straightforward: my office and I are there to help them and I will do everything I can to provide practical and effective support.
“I am deeply disappointed about the way today’s announcement has been handled. I’ve visited Cleveland Potash twice in my first six months as the local MP and in detailed conversations with then Managing Director Marc Kirsten I received no warning of either the scale or the imminence of the job losses as the mine switches its operations from potash to polyhaylite mining – indeed, I was told job numbers were broadly stable. In a series of moves I am working to understand, Marc left his post shortly before Christmas and today’s announcement has been made. We now have to get on with helping the men affected.
“I have spoken to the temporary Managing Director at Boulby, Andrew Fulton, and to Unite the Union. I have told both that if they have an ask of either local or national Government I will work with them to deliver it. I have also spoken to Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, who has pledged whatever assistance he can provide, and have agreed to sit down next week with the Leader and Chief Executive of Redcar and Cleveland Council to discuss the support that will be provided to people who lose their jobs. We need to apply all the lessons from SSI to help these very skilled operatives find new opportunities.
“It’s hard on a day like today to see any good news, but it’s important to emphasise that Cleveland Potash remain committed to polyhaylite mining at Boulby and are the only mine in the world currently able to produce it. Sirius Minerals will also open their huge new Woodsmith Mine in 2021, creating thousands of jobs in the mining sector. I have spoken to them today and whilst they are not in a position to offer miracle solutions, there may be openings for some individuals during the construction phase that is now underway.
“This is a very difficult day indeed for workers at Boulby and their families. They should know they’re foremost in all our thoughts and we’ll do our utmost to find a way through this.”