Council leader welcomes MP support over fight to save local jobs
Telford & Wrekin Council’s leader Kuldip Sahota, has welcomed news that both local MPs are getting behind the Council’s campaign to secure 3,000 jobs in Telford.
The jobs at Capgemini and Fujitsu, in Telford, are part of a contract to supply IT equipment and software for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) which is due to run out in 2017.
In March the Council’s leader began a campaign after being approached by staff at Capgemini and Fujitsu, Telford’s biggest private sector employers, to help support securing the future of these skilled and well-paid jobs, writing to the Chancellor asking for his support to protect these jobs.
The 3,000 posts based in Telford, worth around £50 million to the local economy, will be part of a review of the HMRC Aspire contract due, first awarded more than 10 years ago, for renewal in 2017. The Government wants to limit the contract size for any one company which, if it goes ahead, could risk reducing the numbers working for with Fujitsu or Capgemini in Telford.
Deputy leader, Councillor Richard Overton, will meet with Treasury Minister, David Gauke MP, along with Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard and Telford MP Lucy Allen, to discuss the future of the Aspire contract on 16 June.
The jobs at both Capgemini and Fujitsu play a key part in the local economy, offer opportunities to local young people in the area and contribute to its growth and wealth.
Capgemini also plays a very active role in the community including supporting community projects, made possible by the HMRC contract.
Councillor Kuldip Sahota said: “I am delighted to see both MPs join us in helping to protect jobs in Telford and Wrekin.
“We’re pleased to be meeting with the Treasury Minister to discuss the future of the HMRC Aspire Contract and these vital jobs later this month.
“These skilled and well-paid jobs make a very significant contribution to our local economy and, as we have done with successfully with MoD Donnington, where the Council’s intervention was key in securing its future in Telford, we want to ensure that this continues.”
