MP in talks with wet wipe manufacturer over future of jobs

Alyn and Deeside’s Member of Parliament has met with a local wet wipe manufacturer over the future of 220 local jobs.

Kimberly-Clark in Flint recently announced a consultation into closing the plant, citing incoming UK Government regulations banning plastics in wet wipes as the basis for the decision.

Mark Tami MP has been speaking with affected employees, unions and Kimberly-Clark for some time and today had a meeting with the company.

“I met the company today and they explained their position regarding the proposed closure. They put this down to the changing regulations as to the use of plastics, and DEFRA’s failure to accept PHAs (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) as a natural polymer, and not a plastic.

“They’re continuing to consult with the unions and staff affected. I’ve committed to speak with Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in terms of the regulations and the possibility of extended timescales for their implementation. 

“However, I’m under no illusion that the company seems to have made a business decision, based on other factors. Clearly, I hope they’ll reconsider this position, and I will do whatever I can working with the unions and company to come to a positive outcome.

“If that cannot come to pass, I am aware of a number of potential purchasers who have approached me, and I will put them in touch with Kimberly-Clark. I’ll continue to work with the UK and Welsh Governments to see what we can do to support alternative employment and reskilling for the workforce. 

“This is clearly a very disappointing situation, but I can’t pretend there is an optimistic position. I’ll be keeping up regular talks with Unite and continue to update any constituents who contact me during this worrying time.”
 
Mr Tami put issues that constituents have raised with him to Kimberly-Clark and they have said they’ll respond to those queries soon. These include the potential closure of one line sooner than the other, and of employees on work visas.