30.1.2008

MARTYN JONES MP EXPRESSES HIS DISAPPOINTMENT AND ANGER AS DENNIS RUABON TILES LOSES 80 EMPLOYEES

Martyn Jones MP expressed his extreme anger and disappointment that Dennis Ruabon Tiles has declared its closure and the dismissal of its 80 staff. Following the announcement Mr Jones expressed his determination to help in whatever way he can and his sympathy for those who were facing redundancy.

In a statement Mr Jones stated:

“The closing of the Dennis Ruabon Tile factory is a devastating blow to its local workers and all of us who have grown up in the community with this company for many years.

I strongly support Unite’s efforts to provide for those workers who have lost their jobs and will do anything in my power to help with this process. I also support the local Council’s attempt to help workers who have been placed in this dire situation and again will do anything in my power to help any worker from this factory who has lost their job.

This situation has been bubbling under the surface for quite some time and was not helped by the terrible deal made by management to sell Hafod Clay Pit. The clay pit was subsequently turned into Hafod landfill. From time to time communities have to make sacrifices for local businesses and the people that work for them. However the sale of the pit also destroyed all the access the company had to the clay from this site and therefore the products they manufactured became less successful and their financial outgoings increased.

Management have let the community down in landing a tip on our doorstep in exchange for nothing. They have not protected our local workers, which they promised to do. The people of Ruabon now have to live with the consequences of this managerial error as do those workers who relied on this company for their livelihoods.

We can now only hope that Unite, along with the management, can sort out some form of buy-out to safeguard the futures of at least some of the company’s staff.”