REDUNDANCY AND WOMEN OF HYPERTAC

That this House notes that Smiths Group plc is proposing to close down production at Hypertac, Brent, making 30 women redundant by Christmas 2013 in order to move production abroad; further notes that while the company made a profit of £365 million in 2011-12 the women all earn less than £7.86 per hour, less than the London Living Wage, regardless of length of service, and that most have served the company loyally for between 25 and 39 years; understands the devastating impact of this news on the women, especially as 20 out of the 30 are the sole earners providing for their families; believes that these women deserve fair treatment having given their lives to making the employer a global success; supports the women of Hypertac in their fight; and calls on Smiths Group plc to reconsider its decision to close the plant, and guarantee that if closure goes ahead it will give the workforce a fair redundancy package, which recognises the length and loyalty of the service of the Hypertac employees.