Simon Clarke MP has welcomed Prime Minister Theresa May’s commitment today that the Government will do everything it can to support the 230 workers at risk of losing their jobs at Cleveland Potash – and in particular her announcement that Business Secretary Greg Clark will look into repurposing some of the funds remaining from the SSI taskforce in 2015, which Simon has called for together with Ben Houchen and Redcar MP Anna Turley.
In Prime Ministers Questions this lunchtime, the Conservative Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP asked Theresa May:
“Last week Cleveland Potash announced 230 job losses at Boulby Mine in my constituency. This is devastating for Loftus and the wider East Cleveland community, where the mine is by far and away the largest employer.
“Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, the Honourable Member for Redcar [Anna Turley] and myself all agree it would be incredibly helpful if some of the funds remaining from the 2015 package for workers at the former SSI steelworks could be repurposed to support the workers leaving Boulby.
“Will the Prime Minister agree to look into this with the Business Secretary, and will she commit that Government agencies will do everything in their power to support those affected by this dreadful news?”
The Prime Minister replied:
“My honourable Friend is right to raise this case. It is obviously a worrying time for the workers who are affected by the announcement by Cleveland Potash.
“We will help people to find other work, and support those affected through the rapid response service of the Department for Work and Pensions. We will co-ordinate with the Tees Valley Combined Authority to ensure that we work together to make the best possible support available and ensure that it is aligned. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will look at the situation and the specific issue that my honourable Friend has raised.”
Speaking afterwards, Simon said:
“I know what a stressful time this is for all the workers at Cleveland Potash and their families as they live under the shadow of these job losses and today is a big step in the right direction. I really welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment that the Government will not only deliver an ambitious and coordinated response but will also look at the question of releasing the money remaining from the SSI taskforce to help – this really could make such a difference.
“I will be going to Boulby on Friday to speak to management and will follow that up by meeting the leadership of Redcar and Cleveland Council to ensure everything that can be done is being done to support everyone affected.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added:
“I am pleased the Prime Minister has instructed the Business Department to look into whether any unspent or uncommitted funds from the SSI Taskforce can be used to help those affected. My office has been working closely with Redcar and Cleveland Council, the DWP Rapid Response Service and local MPs Simon Clarke and Anna Turley to coordinate efforts.
“The announcement this week was devastating for communities across East Cleveland, and while we work to line up a proper support package, I would urge affected workers in the meantime to get in touch with my office if they need support.”