For the workers at car maker MG Rover’s Birmingham plant, the fear of looming unemployment is now a reality (15 April, page 7).

The government must now put in place a contingency plan to alleviate the plight of those who will lose their jobs because of the failure to secure a rescue package with the Chinese.

The impact of the Longbridge closure might seem to be invisible in the short- or medium-term, but in the long-term it will start to be felt far more keenly.

Homelessness, repossession of houses, antisocial behaviour, crime and so on will all result.

This will all be very disturbing for the plant’s ex-employees, as they struggle to adjust without other specialised skills.

And the unfolding allegations of misdeeds by the plant’s top management only serve to rub salt into their wounds. They are particularly disheartening coming at this difficult time.

If the allegations are proved, then justice must be seen to be done.

Adetayo Adebesin Comment via Housing Today website

Source

Housing Today