Marco Cable Management

Part of 3. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:28 pm on 9 October 2019.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 3:28, 9 October 2019

The Member raises a series of important points and questions. On the last point that he raised, I think it's worth recognising that, whilst we have lost many jobs in recent times, we have also led to the creation of many jobs as well. And it is deeply, deeply disappointing that Marco have decided to consult on closure, but the Welsh Government has invested in new businesses and existing businesses that have helped to drive down economic inactivity to the average that the UK stands at, which is unprecedented. We've been able to create a record number of jobs in our country as well. Therefore, whilst I would say that the loss of 40 jobs is incredibly, incredibly damaging for the community, we have that track record of creating alternative employment and we will deploy all of our resources to the area, to the community, to ensure that alternative employment there is secured. However, I would share and echo the Member's point that very few of the people who could be affected—and I will say 'could be affected'—by the closure will likely choose to move to West Bromwich, nor should they have to. It's always been my view that you shouldn't have to move out of your community if you're striving to move up in the world. Therefore, we'll be working with the local authority and with other stakeholders to identify other opportunities. We will be deploying the usual and successful methods of supporting individuals, with the help of Careers Wales and Jobcentre Plus. 

Until the announcement, as the Member rightly identified, we had been supporting Marco for some time with plans to expand and extend their current premises, which are owned by us, the Welsh Government, so this news was a surprise and was in no way expected. But I'm pleased to say that my officials are moving quickly to respond to this news. Just this morning, my officials met with the vice president for HR of the company, along with the representative of the Isle of Anglesey County Council. My officials have also made the Department for Work and Pensions aware of the situation. They've been informed of the development, and our understanding is that the DWP had not themselves been formally notified by the company. I can assure the Member that we will be opposing the closure of the business, but we will prepare for the worst nonetheless. We have until March 2020 to identify alternative opportunities for the 40 individuals that could be affected by this announcement, but our hope is that we would still be able to turn around the fortunes of the company and to keep it on Anglesey.