Aberavon MP Slams Virgin Media For Mishandling Possible Closure Of Swansea Operations

11th May, 2018

Aberavon MP Stephen Kinnock joined Assembly Members and Members of Parliament from across the Swansea Bay Region for a meeting with management of Virgin Media, off the back of their announcement to close their Swansea operations by the autumn of 2019 with the loss of almost 800 jobs.

Commenting after the meeting Mr Kinnock said, “I was very disappointed by the tone and content of the meeting today. First of all it was very troubling that Virgin Media refused to allow myself and my colleagues to meet with our constituents in the workforce, instead we were obliged to meet with only the management in a conference room, off site, in a nearby hotel.

“Secondly, it came to light in the meeting that Virgin Media had not had any conversations with the Welsh Government before they made their announcement.

“Thirdly, I find it quite shocking that Virgin Media are refusing to recognise any trade union, and they are also refusing to ballot their staff on whether they would like to be represented by trade unions as opposed to their own employee forum. There is a clear risk of a conflict of interest where employees are being represented by Virgin Media’s own employee forum.

“We find ourselves in a situation whereby Virgin Media is closing its Swansea operation without speaking to the Welsh Government about whether there is a support package to continue or even expand its operations in Llansamlet.

“We also find ourselves in a situation whereby democratically elected representatives, are being prevented from speaking with their constituents and providing them with the help and support that they desperately need.

“It is now vital and urgent that Virgin Media meets with the Welsh Government to put together a proposal to prevent the closure and job losses.

“In light of the above I and my colleague have demanded a meeting with the Chief Executive of Virgin Media and we will be raising it in Parliament and in the Senedd. We will be doing everything possible to ensure that Virgin Media meets its obligations and duties as a responsible employer.”