Taskforce meets after Ford's closure announcement for Bridgend
A Taskforce meets for the first time today after Ford announced it planned to close its Bridgend plant. The car giant said it would shut it next year, which will put more than 1,700 people out of work.
Workers have voted to take industrial action, if necessary, to halt the closure.
Last month, Stuart Rowley, president of Ford of Europe, said "Residual demand out of Bridgend is really not viable".
The Taskforce, which is co-sponsored by Welsh Government Economy Minister Ken Skates and Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns, will be chaired by Professor Richard Parry-Jones CBE.
It will involve Ford, the Welsh Government, the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales, Trade Unions, Bridgend council and others.
The Taskforce will focus on three key areas:
Focusing on those workers at Bridgend and within the plant’s supply chains to ensure they are supported throughout the consultation and in the future.
The long term potential for the site will be examined aiming to attract new investment to secure its future and the skills of the workforce.
Securing a resilient future for the area and wider region. This area of work will be led by former First Minister and AM for Bridgend, Carwyn Jones.