Help for redundant TVR car staff

TVR is Britain's largest independent car maker

Employment help is being offered to workers who have been made redundant from troubled car maker TVR.

Employees were sent notices last week 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 the firm went into administration.

Blackpool Council said the jobs news was "devastating". It is holding an open day for workers next week.

Staff will be offered help and advice to get new jobs and claim benefits.

Councillor Roy Fisher, Blackpool Council leader, said: "The confirmation of redundancies at TVR is devastating news for all concerned and the council along with local partners wish to do all they can to help affected workers and their families.

Move plans

"The open day will be a friendly and informal day aimed at assisting the hundreds of workers who have now been formally made redundant."

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.

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

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.