Redundancy notices for TVR staff

TVR plans to switch production abroad

Workers at troubled sports car maker TVR have been made redundant, union officials have confirmed.

Employees were sent notices on Thursday after administrators were brought in at Blackpool Automotive, the firm's manufacturing arm, last month.

Just under 300 workers are now looking for new jobs after being left in limbo over Christmas - and without wages - when the firm went into administration.

TVR announced in October plans to move production from Blackpool to Europe.

Administrators at PKF (UK) LLP previously said they wanted to sell the firm as a going concern and were optimistic a buyer could be found.

It's the end of Blackpool Automotive and production of TVR in Blackpool Andy Robertson, T&G Union

The future of the firm has been uncertain since its plans to move production within Blackpool were scrapped.

Andy Robertson, regional organiser of the Transport and General Workers Union, said the formal news had brought an end to a "dismal period" for TVR workers.

"It's the end of Blackpool Automotive and production of TVR in Blackpool," he said.

After a Christmas without wages while uncertainty still surrounded their future, workers could now concentrate on finding new work, he added.

Open day

Blackpool Council, together with the union, has organised an open day at Blackpool Technology Centre on 15 January for former workers to discuss the way forward.

A team of advisors will be on hand to answer a variety of questions on issues such as welfare rights and training opportunities.

Established in 1947, TVR is Britain's largest independent sports carmaker.

It was founded by Trevor Wilkinson, who used three consonants from his first name for the company title.

It was bought by young Russian tycoon Nikolai Smolensky in 2004.