The Eli Lilly manufacturing plant in Speke is set to make redundancies this week as part of a worldwide slow down of its operations. A division of Eli Lilly, the Speke site was the first major Penicillin producer in the world. The plant currently employs 700 people, 140 of which are expected to be affected by the job losses.

I have spoken directly with Company representatives who have assured me that the decision to downsize is as a result of global conditions, is not a reflection on the quality of the work force or products at Speke and does not have implications for the future of the site. It is hoped that once sales increase in the future the jobs will be created again.

I am also expecting to meet with trade union representatives next week to help secure the best possible outcome for staff affected by these cut backs.

I will continue to meet with Company and staff unions to ensure the assurances I have received from Eli Lilly are met. I stand ready to help those affected and the Company in any way that I can.

Read the Liverpool Echo’s article about this situation –www.liverpoolecho.co.uk