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South Suffolk MP Tim Yeo and two high-ranking council officials from Babergh District Council and Ipswich Borough Council presented a united front when they met with representatives from energy company E.ON.
Mr Yeo called a meeting last week after the company announced plans earlier this month to close its Wherstead Park offices - resulting in the loss of nearly 340 jobs.
Mike Hammond, Babergh District Council’s Corporate Director, and James Hehir, Chief Executive of Ipswich Borough Council – along with Mr Yeo – met with E.ON’s Managing Director and Public Affairs Manager in Westminster yesterday (Oct 22) to look at ways of addressing the impact of the company’s planned closure of its base in the eastern part of the Babergh district.
After the meeting, Mr Yeo said: “I am ready to work with the company and the local councils to make sure that all staff are given the support they deserve at this stressful time and that a new occupant for this important site is found as soon as possible.”
Cllr Nick Ridley, Chairman of Babergh's Strategy Committee, explained: “Both Babergh and Ipswich remain willing to offer any practical help in putting prospective employers, and Government employment support Agencies, in contact with the existing staff at E.ON.
“Equally, we remain committed to work with any suitable commercial organisations that may be interested in locating to Wherstead Park in order to provide new employment opportunities for our communities.”
And Cllr Liz Harsant, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, added: “We will work closely with Babergh District Council to help everyone find employment".
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