MP highlights strength of local economy
Helen Goodman, Member of Parliament for Bishop Auckland, has spoken in the House of Commons about the continuing strength of the local economy in County Durham.
Speaking in the Whitsun Adjournment debate in her capacity as Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, Helen highlighted the durability of the County’s economy and its continuing appeal to overseas investment.
Helen said:
“The fact is that we now have record levels of inward investment in Co. Durham. The latest figures show that in the past decade the County has benefited from 181 separate inward investment projects with employers from the United States, Japan, Taiwan, Ireland, Iceland and Germany. All have put money in, and that has created 6,000 jobs over the same period”.
Helen’s speech came as it was announced 500 unadvertised jobs have been secured for staff at the Electrolux factory in Spennymoor.
Helen has worked closely with the Electrolux Task Force over recent months to ensure that alternative employment is found for workers who will be made redundant when the Green Lane factory closes in the New Year.
Helen said:
“The closure of the Electrolux factory cast a shadow over the recent success of our local economy, but I was always confident that new jobs could be found for such a highly skilled workforce.
The task force have worked tremendously hard over the last few months, and I am delighted that 500 new jobs have already been found.
This shows the durability of the local economy, and that the North East continues to attract large overseas investment”.
ENDS
