MAJOR employers in Wiltshire have already stepped forward to offer work to 300 Cooper Tire Europe workers in Melksham who face losing their jobs in the new year.

The company’s human resources director Gavin Champion and Unite regional union leader Tony Hulbert have both received approaches from employers.

Cooper Tire Europe said: “Cooper Tire Europe has entered a consultation process and it would be premature to assume any particular outcome related to employment.

“We are working closely with the Melksham community in partnership with Wiltshire Council and Melksham Town Council to provide the right support to our colleagues during this period.

“As part of this process we look forward to hearing from other businesses and local organisations who may have additional proposals that could benefit our workforce and the local community.”

Cooper Tire Europe said it has been contacted by companies in the area who have indicated that, should redundancies take place, they may have roles appropriate for some employees.

Mr Hulbert said: “I have been contacted by three companies who wish to offer jobs to those people who are about to face redundancy, saying they have some jobs.

“They are large companies in Melksham, Trowbridge and Swindon who are offering to provide jobs they have available.

“It’s really nice and heart-warming that they have contacted us immediately but it has almost come too early. The people facing redundancy cannot make a decision yet until they have seen the financial package that’s on offer.”

Mr Hulbert said the union needs to “understand the rationale” for the Cooper Tire Europe decision before it can negotiate the financial terms of redundancy.

The American-owned company announced last

Wednesday (Oct 10) it is to cut 300 jobs in its light vehicle tyres division.

The company plans to keep its motorsport division and motorcycle tyres in the town.

Melksham will also remain the home of Cooper Tire

Europe’s headquarters, sales and marketing offices,

Europe Technical Centre and materials business.

Wiltshire Council has launched a special taskforce with partners to help the 300 workers facing redundancy.

Chippenham MP Michelle Donelan had talks last Friday (Oct 12) with the management, staff and unions about the potential job losses.

She said: “My focus is to support the affected staff and I have been working with Government Ministers and the council to facilitate this.

“A Taskforce has been launched and numerous local companies have already been in touch stating that they are doing a recruitment drive and are keen to interview some of the staff.

“Cooper Tires is iconic to Melksham and it is important that they are keeping their HQ in our town and I shall be supporting them in the long term so they can grow the divisions they are keeping here.”

Ms Donelan said her visit involved a “robust face-to-face discussion” with Cooper Tire Europe senior management to see whether there was anything that could be done to limit the job losses.