Car firm redundancy talks begin

More than 60 staff have lost their jobs, says the T&G

Most of the workers temporarily laid off in April by Blackpool-based sports car manufacturer TVR will not be re-employed, union leaders have said.

Only three staff members out of the 71 laid off will be reappointed, a spokesman for the T&G (Transport and General Workers Union) said.

But David Oxley, the plant's managing director, said it was too soon to say how many jobs might be lost.

The Russian-owned car company is hoping production will stay in Blackpool.

Headquarters' move

It is also examining moving its headquarters to Lancaster.

Last month, the firm announced the Bispham factory would close within the next six months.

Production could shift to a former car plant at Squires Gate in Blackpool but no decision has been taken.

The union spokesman said that of the people laid off five had new jobs, three were being reappointed but the rest had been made redundant.

Assurances are being sought over the future of a further 250 workers currently employed in Blackpool.

Mr Oxley said the company started a 30 day statutory redundancy consultation process on Thursday.

He said some workers could be redeployed while others might want to take voluntary redundancy.

Mr Oxley said he was hoping to save as many jobs as possible adding that the union's officials had "jumped the gun".