Alex offers support to Johnson Matthey workers following news Billingham factory set to close – and calls on Government to do more to support British industries

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham has pledged to help however he can to support Johnson Matthey battery materials employees following the announcement the Billingham based facility is due to close with a potential loss of 150 jobs.

The announcement follows news that Johnson Matthey, a 204 year old British firm, was hoping to sell the battery business in its entirety but are now pursing the sale of individual assets. Consultations are ongoing with employees of the site – 150 of whom work at the Billingham plant – with the company hoping some can be placed into alternative roles. Redundancies are likely.

Alex, who has been in correspondence with the company has offered his support to  help however he can.

Alex said:

“This news is obviously very disappointing, both to the people who now face redundancy and to Teesside as a whole, which has an unemployment rate almost twice the national average.

“Johnson Matthey was also a key player in supporting the transition to electric vehicles, and the only major British one, and it’s exit means the industry is now dominated with foreign firms. The Government has serious questions to answer about how it will support British industries going forward.

“I hope a buyer can be found for the business and jobs can be saved, and will do anything I can to support the company and employees during this difficult period.”