News

HOWARD ASKS DTI FOR HELP OVER JOB LOSSES

Michael Howard, Member of Parliament for Folkestone and Hythe has written to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry asking what extra assistance can be made available to the Shepway area following the recent announcement of 500 redundancies by aerospace-to-medical equipment maker Smiths Group in Hythe.

The company have said they plan to end manufacturing at the Smiths Medical plant at Hythe in Kent within two years.

The Hythe headquarters of Smiths Medical International, employing about 220 people in research and development, finance, marketing and other support services will stay open and the company plans to create a European service centre in the town.

Mr Howard said: “The recent announcement has been a bitter blow for our community.  I have asked the Secretary of State how he can help.  I hope he will be able to deliver some meaningful action.â€?