GOVT SHOULD EXAMINE EU FUND OPTION FOR HP WORKERS
Labour’s Jobs Spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has called on the Government to examine whether it can tap into the European Globalisation Fund for workers at Hewlett Packard.
Up to 500 jobs look set to go at the company, which is to close its printing plant in Leixlip in Kildare over the next year.
Commenting on the reports today, Deputy Kelly said:
“This is obviously a very anxious and stressful time for the workers at HP Inc. and their families, who are finding out this morning that their jobs are on the line. Along with the redundancies last year at Intel, this is the second jobs hit to the Leixlip area, and a huge blow for the north Kildare region.
“We need to see real leadership from Government on this.
“Firstly, Minister Bruton needs to immediately explore whether Ireland can draw down on the European Globalisation Fund for these workers, for further education and up-skilling where required. Up to 23 million euro was made available for Dell workers who lost their jobs in 2011, and the same steps are needed here.
“Efforts must also be made by the IDA to source a replacement industry for the region to deal with the jobs vacuum that will be left.
“We’re entering into a time of major uncertainty with Brexit and the election of Donald Trump, and it is vital that Ireland is pitched as an attractive place to do business with a highly skilled workforce.
“In the meantime, the Department of Social Protection should have a single point of contact to support those losing their jobs, to access job seekers benefit and other entitlements.”