§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Employment in view of the possible closure of two divisions of Heywood Williams, Bay Hall, Birkby, Huddersfield, and the loss of 450 jobs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GoldingI thank my hon. Friend for bringing this situation to my notice.
I understand that about 250 workers are employed at the company's Bay Hall 63W works, Huddersfield, and that a further 200 are employed throughout the country on installation work.
Officials of my Department have ensured that the company is aware of its obligations under Sections 99 and 100 of the Employment Protection Act—first, to consult the appropriate recognised trade unions about all prospective redundancies at the earliest opportunity and in any event no later than 90 days before the first dismissal takes effect where it is proposed to dismiss as redundant 100 or more employees at one establishment within a period of 90 days or less and, secondly, to notify the Secretary of State in writing of proposed redundancies no later than 90 days before the first dismissal takes effect where it is proposed to dismiss as redundant 100 or more employees at one establishment within a period of 90 days or less. Up to 25th January, my Department had not received notification of any proposed redundancies.
The company has also been informed of the assistance available under the temporary employment subsidy scheme—however, it is for the company to decide whether or not to make an application.