A Cumbrian union leader is calling for Sellafield Ltd and the Government to step in to save Workington’s Chapel Bank Engineering.
No-one from the firm, based on Curwen Road, was available to talk to Cumbria Crack.
Les Blacklock, Unite branch secretary, started his career at Chapel Bank as an apprentice in 1971 and at the time it employed around 2,000 people.
He said: “I know full-time union officials and our MP have been involved, however plenty of effort has been put in to save British Steel in Scunthorpe – let’s see the same effort in Workington.
“I also call on Sellafield to not reject Chapel Bank in its hour of need. All of the fantastic work done in the past for Sellafield, including Magnox flasks, can be repeated in the future.
“West Cumbria needs Chapel Bank. I call on Sellafield to step up to the plate. With actions and money, they can do it to give Chapel Bank a lifeline and a future.
“When I found out today about the total closure of the plant, I was gutted.
“This plant is the last heavy engineering facility in Cumbria, except for the shipyard at Barrow.
“The last few years have been very difficult for a workforce experiencing constant negatives.”
Mr Blacklock claimed staff had not been paid on time regularly and added: “Their loyalty deserves better than to be thrown on the scrapheap.”
Support for workforce
Josh MacAlister, Whitehaven & Workington MP said he had been working with the union to get support in place for the affected staff.
A drop-in session will be held at Workington JobCentre on Wednesday between 10am and 4pm with a range of employers.
Mr MacAlister added that he was also speaking to Lakes College at Lillyhall to make sure the firm’s 20 apprentices were supported.
Forth Engineering, based at Flimby, said it was also recruiting and wanted to hear from people employed by Chapel Bank Engineering.
