News

Unite, the largest union in the country, said that it will be holding talks with DLR, the world’s largest integrated security printer and papermaker, next week to save as many jobs of its members as possible by relocation within the company. Unite has 150 members at the two sites.

 

The workforce was told at lunchtime that the sites at Dunstable and Basingstoke would close and production would be transferred to Gateshead in the North East and Westhoughton in the North West. 

 

Louisa Bull, Unite officer with national responsibility for the DLR group, said: ‘The announcement today will come as sad news for the local communities in Basingstoke and Dunstable.’

 

‘When we talk to the company next week, Unite will be working hard to get the best deal possible for our members facing redundancy and also be exploring the company’s offer of relocation opportunities to other plants across the UK.’

 

‘De La Rue has indicated that it wishes to undertake the changes over the next 18 months.’

 

‘With the arrival in January this year of the new Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cobbold and the recent announcement of a global improvement plan to return the business to an operating profit of £100 million-a-year within three years, changes had been anticipated by our members.’

 

‘However today’s news will be a major shock for many of them and will have a significant adverse impact on many Unite members and their families.’

 

‘While recognising De La Rue’s continued commitment to UK jobs, our role now will be to secure the best terms we can for our members.’