The Welsh Assembly Government has pledged its full support to help Bosch employees affected by the announcement of plans to phase-out production at their Cardiff plant.
Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy Ieuan Wyn Jones said:
“This is extremely disappointing news and a significant blow to the hard working and highly-skilled employees of Bosch and the wider community. We have been working extremely closely with the company over the last few months to look at all options available to keep the plant running and to develop other product lines, diversify or draw on the advanced research work of Welsh universities.
“We have regularly met with senior representatives of the company and today I met with them again to press the case for keeping the plant open. Despite our efforts, we deeply regret that Bosch have come to this decision to proceed with the option to phase out production.
“If this decision goes through, we will continue to do everything possible to help those affected, whether it is helping them find new jobs or gain new skills so they can start alternative careers. We are more than aware that the employees of Bosch are not the only people who will be affected by this, but also the many supply chain companies.
“We will now work with these supply chain companies to see how we can help them through this difficult time. I am also seeking urgent meetings with the Unions to see what options are available to us.”
Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation & Skills Lesley Griffiths said:
“If Bosch does decide to go ahead with this decision, it will be a terrible day, not only for the employees of the company, but also their families and the wider community.
“If the company follows through these plans, the Welsh Assembly Government will step in and provide all the assistance we can and see if we can use our ReAct programme to help those who may be made redundant and see what we can do to support them develop their skills and find new work.”
