MEP wants EU funding to help those who are losing their jobs at HP Inc in Leixlip

A Sinn Féin MEP has outlined the need for the government to appeal to the European Union to make funds available to help with training the employees who are set to lose their jobs at HP Inc in Leixlip.

Up to 500 people could lose their jobs this year after the company announced the cessation of work in their global printing base in north Kildare, and MEP Matt Carthy has called on the government to request access to the EU's Globalisation Fund to help assist those who will lose their jobs.

“The loss of 500 jobs at Hewlitt Packard in Leixlip is a devastating development for the workers, for their families and for the economy of the wider region of Co. Kildare and beyond," he said.

"The Government urgently needs to do all in its power to ensure that the workers are provided will all available training, education and other assistance in finding alternative employment.

"My fellow Sinn Féin MEPs and I certainly support any application for aid for these workers from the EU’s Globalisation Fund. The Government should confirm that it will be making an application to the fund as speedily as possible.