Bad news for workers (From Barry And District News)

Bad news for workers

THE final hopes of hundreds of Vale people were dashed last week when the Ministry of Defence announced it is definitely going to axe 500 jobs at Dara.

But Vale MP John Smith says potential investors could mean light at the end of St Athan's tunnel.

Vale-based Dara is to close in April 2007, along with Fleetlands in Hampshire, an engine maintenance unit which employs 225.

The closure of both bases was subject to debate last year. But Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said last week that, following a consultation period with unions, he was sticking with a decision to shut down the sites next year.

Dara's Sealand operation in north Wales remains unaffected by the cuts.

Dara's helicopter repair and components businesses at Fleetlands and Almondband in Scotland, as well as St Athan's VC10 work will be put forward for sale.

Mr Ingram said in a parliamentary statement: "I am particularly mindful of the impact this announcement will have for individuals especially and for south Wales in general.

"We will help those affected to find alternative employment wherever possible and we will make every effort to use natural labour turnover, redeployment and voluntary redundancy to mitigate the loss."

John Smith said: "This has just reaffirmed the decision made in November. I am obviously disappointed but not surprised.

"I think it is a damning indictment on the Government, on my Government. There is an excellent, skilled workforce at St Athan, tried and tested.

"I have not held back in criticising the Government. It will all end in tears, I'm sure.

"Realistically we are not going to save Dara, but we will continue to campaign to keep the Tornado work at St Athan."

Vale AM Jane Hutt spent Saturday with trade union representatives encouraging shoppers to show their support for their local workforce by signing a petition against the job losses.

Mrs Hutt said: "So many people had relatives, friends or neighbours affected by the recent MOD decision. This strengthened our resolve to campaign to promote these vital jobs in St Athan."

Both John Smith and Jane Hutt hope that the St Athan site will eventually attract investors.

Mrs Hutt said: "We are putting our efforts into getting new civilian contracts for St Athan. I am working with the trade unions, WDA and partners to turn this around and make this investment in St Athan provide new jobs and opportunities for the aerospace industry.

"ATC Lasham is already here and the Defence Training Review provides a huge opportunity."