Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
|Home
Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
This website has been partly paid for from the funds made available to every MP to assist them in communicating with and representing their constituents.
Printed and hosted by Pipex Communications UK Ltd, Humber Buildings, Humber Rd, Beeston, Notts, NG9 2ET. Published and promoted by Norman Baker MP, House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 1AA. The views expressed are those of Norman Baker, not of the service provider.
Newhaven MP Norman Baker expresses sadness at Parker Pen job losses
Newhaven MP Norman Baker has today expressed his sadness at the confirmation of the loss of approximately 150 jobs at the Parker Pen factory in Newhaven, but this was tinged with some crumbs of comfort. Originally it was announced that around 200 jobs would probably be lost.
The firm announced in November last year that it was to begin consulting with local employees and their representatives, as well as local stakeholders about their proposals for job losses at their Newhaven site.
The management informed the staff at the site today that the decision has been taken to downsize the manufacturing operation at the site, as well as transferring all office functions away from Newhaven, with a reduction of around 150 positions as a result. The news was given to Norman by Parker Pen’s Director of Operations, Jim Haggerty.
The news of job losses has been somewhat offset by the confirmation that the Newhaven operation is to become a ‘centre of excellence’ for a number of activities, including high volume assembly and the packaging of fine writing products. Furthermore, the Frontier and Duofold lines will continue to be produced at the site.
Speaking on the news, Norman said: "I am saddened to hear the news of these job losses in Newhaven. I have been in regular contact with the management to urge them to find a way to minimise the job losses, so to the extent that around 50 have been saved, that has been time well spent.
"I also very much welcome the decision to make Newhaven a centre of excellence."