More than 350 brickworkers’ jobs hang in the balance as Hanson

More than 350 brickworkers’ jobs hang in the balance as Hanson Brick struggles to meet tough new UK standards on pollution control at its brickworks in Stewartby, near Bedford.

The plant, which produces 2.8 million London Bricks a week, meets pollution targets under the European Emission Regulations. However, it is struggling to meet targets under the UK’s recently introduced Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Reg- ulations, which set much higher standards than the EU rules.

A Hanson Brick spokesman said: “The Environment Agency has given us until the end of 2008 to meet the new pollution targets, by which time we must comply or close the works. We cannot guarantee we will be able to comply. It is a tough call.”

Hanson has installed a new inductor at the site in an attempt to bring pollution levels down, but indications are this may not be enough to reduce pollutants to the desired level.

The uncertainty has led to industrial unrest, with workers threatening industrial action if the plant is closed any earlier than the 2008 deadline. Following a recent meeting, union officials accused Hanson Brick of planning to close the brickworks before the 2008 deadline and move the works to Whittlesea, which produces London Bricks using clay – which has a lower level of pollutants. The Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) is now balloting for industrial action at the site.

Alan Brkljac, regional organiser for the TGWU, said: “We are now going to make sure the workers have a say in the terms of the closure. It’s our aim to make sure we get an enhanced deal for our members.”

Hanson Bricks insisted this week it has no plans to close the site before the end of 2008. The spokesman added: “We have always been open in our communications with the workforce on the challenge we are facing under the new rules and will continue to do so. We are disappointed with the union’s response.”

[Contract Journal, 29 November 2006, p 3]