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Sacked staff go on to jobs success

Half the workforce of the Atmel microchip plant on Tyneside who were made redundant have found new jobs, council bosses have revealed. In the six months since the US-owned semi-conductor manufacturer announced that it would cease production at its Silverlink plant in North Tyneside, 50% of the 600-strong workforce have already found employment. This is anticipated to increase to nearer 70% within the next three months. The results have been acheived through the efforts of a task force set up to help the former Atmel employees in to new jobs.

Martin Swales, of North Tyneside Council, which is leading the task force, said: “We couldn’t have achieved this without the tremendous support we have had from the region’s employers who have recognised the high calibre of the staff available. “We are now looking to the future of the site and seeking to work with the landowners to ensure that it continues as a prime employment site for North Tyneside and the region.”

Ian Williams, director of business and industry at regional development agency One NorthEast, said: “The number of people finding alternative employment is particularly encouraging and it is great to see so many regional businesses recognising the high calibre of workers at the plant. But the hard work still continues to ensure the remaining employees find suitable roles in the North East.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .