The Derbyshire County Conservative Group expressed their concern over the loss of more than 300 jobs at the Belper factory of Courtaulds after it went into administration this week. Local County Council members Stuart Bradford and David Taylor (Alport Division) have sought to ensure that local efforts are directed at providing practical help to affected workers to ensure that efforts are made to secure continuing employment or new posts elsewhere. 

Cllr Stuart Bradford, Duffield and Belper South Division said, 

"It's vital that all avenues are explored to ensure that workers are not further disadvantaged at this critical point and that all options have been explored to secure the jobs or that new jobs can be found."

"In the meantime I'll work with Amber Valley Borough Council and the County Council to ensure that whatever real help we can give can be given. I'm in close contact with local MPs including Pauline Latham, who has been extremely proactive and has spoken to the Business Secretary Savid Javid, to ensure that the issue is given the attention it needs."

"Amber Valley Borough Council has already pledged to hold a jobs fair locally, working with Derbyshire County Council. There is also a glimmer of hope that other interested parties may yet take on the business and safeguard at least some of those jobs."

Cllr David Taylor, also an Amber Valley Borough Councillor, added, 

"The affected people can be assured that we will do whatever we can to offer practical advice or other help in conjunction with partners. It is important we do all we can to help them through this difficult and uncertain time."