Unions want Government to stop Ericsson scrapping Coventry R&D site
The UK's largest trade union has called on the Government to challenge telecoms giant Ericsson's plans to axe its research and development site in Coventry.
Unite said it was particularly concerned that the closure of the Ansty Park facility, with the loss of more than 700 jobs, would reduce Britain's capacity for innovation in high-tech communications.
Peter Skyte, Unite's national officer for IT and communications, said: "If this site is allowed to close there will be a loss of highly-skilled work that is central to future strategic technological development.
"The country's capacity to compete for future research and development work will be diminished."
Unite is now seeking a meeting with Business Secretary Lord Mandelson and also wants the Government to challenge Ericsson's position.
Mr Skyte added: "We believe the announcement by Ericsson risks damaging the reputation and standing of the company in the UK, which cannot in the long term be to the benefit of the company.
"We want to explore all available means to find a longer term solution for the future of the company's operations at Ansty in the interests of Ericsson, the UK workforce and our members."
