This week Community Union officers participated in a jobs fair in the Rhondda to support workers being redundant at UK Windows and Doors Group
Earlier this month administrators for UK Windows and Doors Group (UKWDG) confirmed that nearly 500 jobs would be lost across the company’s four sites in south Wales – Treorchy, Llwynypia, Williamstown and Taffs Well. The company, which has operated locally for 70 years, is one of Britain’s largest PVCu window and door makers.
The jobs fair, which took place on Wednesday 18th October at Rhondda Sports Centre in Ystrad, was attended by a large group of local employers and training providers, with over 200 live job vacancies advertised. Careers Wales and Citizens Advice Bureau were also in attendance.
Community Union’s Learning Organiser Lisa Francis said:
“The news of job losses at UKWDG was a body blow for our members and for the wider community in the Rhondda where the business had such a strong footprint. As soon as we heard about the job losses at UKWDG, Community called for a job fair to be arranged for those affected. I was glad to attend the fair alongside my Community colleagues Rob and Mark, and it was encouraging to see the event so well-attended. It gave us an opportunity to engage and support our members and their colleagues; giving advice on their current situation, how we can help, and the training opportunities available to them.”
Rob Edwards, Community Union’s Regional Secretary for Wales, said:
“Whilst there had been some uncertainty around UKWDG as a business, the sudden news of job losses came as a real shock and a massive blow for the area. I’m grateful to Lisa and everyone who helped organise this week’s job fair, including Rhondda Cynon Taff Council, and to the local MP and MS Chris Bryant and Buffy Williams for their swift response to assist. The event was an important way of reaching out to the workforce and supporting them at this difficult time. The number of local employers present showed that there is a real desire out there to ensure that the skills and expertise of UKWDG workers, built up over many years of service to the company, are not lost.”
Community is the union for the light industries, with a long history of representing workers at the heart of manufacturing and production. Community represents members at globally recognised companies as well as many smaller businesses and consumer goods manufacturers. We are a modern trade union, campaigning for a better working world.
If you are a member of Community and need help or advice, please contact us at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.
© Community Trade Union 2024