Broadbent announce 65 job losses

Jan 7 2009 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Recession claims another 65 jobs

SIXTY-FIVE jobs are to go at a Huddersfield engineering firm.

Thomas Broadbent and Sons Ltd, based at Queen Street South, blamed the collapse of markets around the world for the redundancies.

The company, which is a leading manufacturer of centrifuges and employs 200 staff in total, announced the redundancies to employees yesterday and has embarked on a 30-day consultation period with employee representatives and unions.

Managing director Simon Broadbent said the job cuts were expected to affect all areas of the business. The company would be seeking volunteers in the first instance and pledged to help those made redundant to write CVs and train them in jobhunting skills.

The bulk of Broadbent’s employees work in production, servicing and spares, design and sales.

Mr Broadbent said: “Nothing is finalised, but it is in the area of 65 jobs.

“We don’t need to look for excuses. Demand for our products and services around the world has been reduced as our customers cut back on their production.