In response to the announcement on Thursday 12 November of significant job losses at Cleveland Potash and the closure ofsix HMRC tax offices in the region, North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), Chief Executive James Ramsbotham said:
“The news of up to 1,400 further job losses in Teesside announced today is shattering. Nevertheless, there remain many great businesses in the area with huge assets in both people and resources that have the potential to deliver even more.
“Although the business community will do everything possible, together with Tees Valley Unlimited and others, to help those affected by the losses, now is the time for concerted action. Government must make the economy in Teesside a priority and give it a similar focus to the approach adopted in Portsmouth, following the loss of Royal Navy Shipbuilding last year. Now is the time when we need to commit to maximise the opportunities across Teesside.”