Bishop expresses shock at Nissan job cuts
15/01/2009
Following the announcement that 400 temporary workers at the Nissan
plant in Sunderland are to be made redundant, the Bishop of Durham, Dr Tom
Wright expressed his concern and support for those who have lost their jobs,
as well as those who may face redundancy in the near future.
"I was horrified to hear of the Nissan redundancies," he said. "The global
recession really comes home to roost when a well-run, highly productive
plant with workers of great skill and dedication has to take action like
this. We will need that skill and dedication again, and I hope the whole
community can pull together to support the families immediately affected,
and the wider circles where their sudden unemployment will be felt. I and
others are working and praying for national policies that will address the
underlying causes of the present crisis. Meanwhile, we will do all we can to
help."
The Revd Stephen Hazlett, Industrial Chaplain at the Nissan plant, has been
working closely with the management offering support to the workers.
"This situation has been feared for some time now and all the workforce have
been notified of my availability for pastoral support over the past few
weeks," he said. "We can't give people back their jobs but we can offer a
listening ear when people are afraid for their futures."
Although Nissan are looking to make further cuts in the permanent workforce,
Stephen also wanted to emphasise that the management are very keen to work
with the Works' Council and the unions in negotiating further job cuts.
We continue to hope that the global economy will recover in time. Meanwhile,
the following prayer has been published by the Church of England to show its
concern for those who have been made redundant.
‘Redundant’ - the word says it all - useless, unnecessary, without purpose,
surplus to requirements.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, that in the middle of the sadness, the anger, the uncertainty,
the pain, I can talk to you.
Hear me as I cry out in confusion, help me to think clearly, and calm my soul.
As life carries on, may I know your presence with me each and every day.
And as I look to the future, help me to look for fresh opportunities, for new directions.
Guide me by your Spirit, and show me your path, through Jesus,
the way, the truth and the life.
Amen.
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