Job fears at print firm (From Warrington Guardian)

Job fears at print firm

JOB cuts could be on the cards at a Runcorn printing firm after the owners confirmed workers' fears of a takeover from outside the area, writes Nick Lakeman.

Over 100 hundred employees at Z-Card in Manor Park, Runcorn, could be stung if management of the manufacturing is transferred to Leeds-based printing giant Scorpio.

One, a father-of-two who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "We've all been given our notice by the directors.

"They told us they can't afford to keep the place going so they're selling out to a firm in Leeds and shipping all the work there.

"People were shocked. We knew something was going to happen but in the last few weeks I've been working 12-hours because of the demand.

"There are a lot of families who are going to struggle. I'm the only breadwinner and I've got kids and a partner to support."

Bosses at Z-Card, who have produced pocket-sized folded paper marketing products since the site opened in 1997, said talks with Scorpio were still 'on-going' and that workers could be offered employment at the new location.

Business development manager Santiago Navarro said: "Subject to discussions between Z-Card and Scorpio, workers will be offered continued employment but it is possible it could involve a change in location.

"It is being considered how to help workers in any change of location. Those not taking up the offer would be liable for statutory redundancy." But our source, who has worked there for over five years, said: "That's ridiculous. It's a good two hours away and most of us grew up around here. They are just trying to smooth things over."

Despite repeated requests, no one at Scorpio Print Finishing Ltd came back to the World with a comment.