Yesterday Lotus announced a significant number of redundancies. Responding to confirmation that 550 jobs are to go at the company’s iconic Hethel HQ, Cllr Fabian Eagle said that Norfolk County Council, working with South Norfolk Council, would do everything it could to help those affected by the news and ensure their valuable skills remain in the county.
They will be creating a taskforce offering a comprehensive support package to redundant Lotus Cars employees and connecting them directly with vacancies in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. The taskforce will be chaired by Cllr Eagle and South Norfolk Council Leader, Daniel Elmer.
Cllr Eagle said: “These job losses are a huge blow, but rest assured we will do absolutely everything we can to ensure as many people as possible are supported into new employment and their skills are not lost to Norfolk’s economy.
“A taskforce will lead the work on this and organisations like NAAME and the Growth Hub that are hosted by the council will be able to help connect those affected with vacancies or training opportunities.”
Cllr Elmer added: “This is a very difficult time, and our priority must be the people who are losing their jobs. Working together, we will do everything we can to provide the support they need.”
Support that will be offered to Lotus employees and their supply chains through teams at both Norfolk County Council and South Norfolk Council and their networks will include:
• A joint package of job search and CV support with Working Well Norfolk and DWP colleagues for all employees as required, including benefit advice and support from DWP
• Tailored support from Apprenticeships Norfolk for apprentices being made redundant
• A brokerage service delivered with partners to connect those being made redundant with vacancies at Norfolk engineering firms through our advanced manufacturing sector group NAAME (New Anglia Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering), and New Anglia Growth Hub
• Support for Lotus staff wanting to set up businesses through our start-up programme run by Norfolk Libraries service, the Growth Hub, MENTA and Hethel Innovation.
• Provide opportunities for start-up businesses at Hethel Innovation Centre and Scottow Enterprise Park.
• Hardship support offered by South Norfolk Council’s multi-service Help Hub.