Merthyr Tydfil: Potential Job Losses a"Double Whammy"

12.00.00am GMT Fri 19th Dec 2008

Closely following the announcement on the future of manufacturing at the Hoover site, further job losses could be imminent with an expected announcement by the UK Government on the future of the Tax Office at Merthyr Tydfil.

Local Assembly Member Michael German, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, says that if the UK Government were to close "one of its own offices" that this would be "a reckless act in one of Wales' most deprived communities."

Michael German was speaking as a decision is due on the future of the Merthyr Tax Office. He said, "If the UK Government is serious about supporting local economies and helping low and middle income earners through the recession, here we have an opportunity where the Labour Government could have a direct influence on the future prospects for Merthyr."

Mr. German believes that it would be "an act of folly" to proceed with the threatened closure. "The Assembly Government must now pull out all the stops to ensure every single job at Hoover is saved as well as lobby the UK Government to keep the Tax Office open."

Mr. German added: "It would be a double whammy for Merthyr to see the Tax Office close after the announcement of threatened job cuts at Hoover's".

This feeling is shared by local councillors across Merthyr Tydfil. One Borough Councillor, Kevin O'Connor, said that people in the town were worried about jobs. He said, "The Tax Office serves people and businesses in the area. The loss of this office doesn't just mean a loss of jobs; it will really hit peoples' confidence. At a time when Gordon Brown is making promises to 'stand by people' and saying that they are 'on the side of working people', we'll be watching carefully to see if he really means it."