Anger at ‘devastating’ Appledore shipyard closure decision

The GMB has reacted with anger to the ‘devastating’ decision that will see the Appledore shipyard closure.

A total of 200 people are set to lose their jobs when the yard closes in March 2019.

Decision to close the yard

But despite this, Babcock announced their decision to close the yard this morning.

GMB and sister union Unite staged a mass rally to save the shipyard and handed in a nearly 10,000 petition to the Ministry of Defence and Babcock just this week calling on them to save this shipyard which is vital to both the local community and UK shipbuilding.

Jake Mclean, GMB Rep at Appledore, said: “This news is a devastating blow to the workforce and the local community.

“We want answers from the Government and Babcock about the package that was offered to save the yard.”