CITY MP TO MEET WITH FORD BOSSES

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 16th Jul 2008

Following the news that Ford's huge car plant in Southampton may lose the contract to build the next generation of 'Transit' vans, City MP, Sandra Gidley has announced that she will be meeting with the car maker's bosses to press for a successful, long term future for Ford in Southampton.

Many of the workers at the site live in the Basset and Swaythling MP's constituency and from the next general election the plant will fall within the enlarged, renamed seat of Romsey and Southampton North.

Commenting ahead of the meeting today, Sandra said:

"The news must be very worrying to all those who work at the car plant. It is time for the company to be transparent about its plans so that the employees know of their future one way or the other.

"Of course, the loss of any jobs at the site would be a severe blow for the local workers, their families and the city's economy. This is why I will be seeking a long term commitment from Ford to its highly skilled local employees."

Sandra will be meeting Ford representatives in Parliament on Wednesday 23 July.

ENDS