Thamesteel

Businesses in need of staff urged to come forward

A task force set up to help the hundreds of workers affected by the demise of troubled Thamesteel has made a rallying call to businesses for help.

In an open letter to companies, Kent County Council cabinet member for regeneration and economic development Kevin Lynes, who is chairman of the task force, called on business leaders to help provide employment for the redundant workers.

He urged those looking for skilled employees to make contact.

“This loss of employment is a massive challenge to the people affected and to their families – and to the wider community on the Isle of Sheppey,” he said.

“We have moved quickly to bring together a task force to coordinate immediate activity to support employment and skills as well as consider the longer term potential of the local economy.

“Our first priority is to ensure continuing employment for Thamesteel staff.

“If your business is looking for new employees, current workers at Thamesteel could help you.”

Almost 400 staff have been made redundant from the stricken Sheerness steelworks, which went into administration last month. They may have to wait up to eight weeks before they see any redundancy money.

While a number of companies have expressed an interest in potentially taking over the site, Cllr Lynes said his priority was finding employment for the affected workers.

“At present there are nearly 400 staff with a range of manufacturing, engineering, management and administration skills,” he said.

“(There are) eight final year apprentices with electrical and engineering skills, who would be available to new employers for three days a week.

“MidKent College has currently taken on the apprentices as a temporary measure whilst host companies are being sought.

“(There are) seven Higher National Certificate engineering students, who have already completed an Advanced Apprenticeship, and are available for work four days a week.

“If this provides an opportunity for your business, we would like to hear from you.”

The first meeting of the task force was held last week, bringing together local bodies and government agencies.

Cllr Lynes said: “We are all working together to look at both short term, immediate actions to provide assistance to those people who have been hit by the closure, and longer term ideas to help secure a future for the site.

“By meeting as a task force we can make sure the workers get the best possible help as soon as possible.

“We are able to look at the support each of us can provide and make sure the workers get access to the help they need in the quickest, most efficient way.”

Any businesses with a current vacancy or who would like to find out more about taking Thamesteel workers on email thamesteel.taskforce@kent.gov.uk.