West Midlands Combined Authority joins Carillion support task force
Published: Tuesday 16 Jan 2018
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has joined a cross-agency Carillion taskforce group.
The group has been set up to ensure a co-ordinated approach to support workers and businesses affected by the Wolverhampton-based company going into liquidation.
Following the liquidation announcement yesterday morning (Monday January 15), City of Wolverhampton Council convened an emergency meeting.
The meeting at City of Wolverhampton Civic Centre saw representatives from the council, WMCA, Black Country LEP, Department for Work and Pensions, Black Country Chamber of Commerce and Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, at the table.
It was informed by a conversation earlier yesterday between council officials and Parliamentary Undersecretary for State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Andrew Griffiths MP.
The council has also been working closely with the office of the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, who chairs the WMCA.
The taskforce group discussed issues around skills, apprenticeships, and the local supply chain.
Members will now implement practical measures for those facing the threat of redundancy, should it be required.
Chair of the taskforce group, Cllr John Reynolds, said: The task force meeting demonstrated a clear commitment from all partners to support Carillion's 400-strong workforce and local business supply chains in the city and wider West Midlands.
Partners are working together to provide a package of measures including sign-posting those affected to the advice and support they need via helpline numbers and carrying out a detailed assessment of supply chain networks to provide more targeted business support
Cllr Reynolds said Carillion employs many professionally-skilled people at their Chapel Ash headquarters and across the region.
With the construction sector calling out for skilled employees we are confident the programmes the partners are able to put in place will help to mitigate potential job losses and support those in need," he added.
There are still many issues that require clarity and we will be working through them with city and regional partners, such as the West Midlands Combined Authority, Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Department for Work and Pensions, Black Country LEP, and others over the coming hours and days.
We will also be closely monitoring the national position and liaising with colleagues in government
Taskforce members will now continue to liaise on further developing support mechanisms, with a date for the next full meeting to be determined.
A phoneline has been established for Carillion employees by official receivers, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) - 0800 063 9282.
A dedicated website has also been set up for anyone affected - https://www.pwc.co.uk/carillion