Union fights for train firm jobs

The trade union Amicus is launching a campaign to try and safeguard jobs at Derby train manufacturer Bombardier.

The factory's future is under threat after the company lost a major order.

Amicus officials and MPs representing constituencies with Bombardier plants have agreed to lobby Ministers and the company's senior managers.

They have asked to meet Transport Minister Kim Howells early in the New Year for help in finding interim contracts for the Derby plant.

Unions say the factory is the most productive and cost efficient in Europe.

Amicus is also lobbying for stronger UK employment protection laws.

But the loss of a Trans Pennine contract earlier this year is threatening the future of plants in Derby and Crewe.

The Alstom plant in Birmingham is due to close next year with a loss of 1,400 jobs.