REDDITCH'S MP says she has been assured that there are no plans to close GKN’s Redditch head office but some employees are facing the axe.

The Advertiser recently reported that the board directors of GKN stepped down after the controversial £8.1 billion takeover by Melrose Industries.

Melrose said an “in-depth review” was now under way and had confirmed the “extent of the opportunity to improve GKN’s business”.

Redditch MP Rachel spoke to chief executive of Melrose, Simon Peckham, last Friday and said: “Ever since Melrose’s takeover bid was accepted, I have consistently and continually called on bosses to retain GKN’s head office here in Redditch.

“As soon as the takeover deal was accepted, I got straight on the phone to Melrose’s Simon Peckham, who assured me they have no plans to close GKN’s Redditch head office over the short-term.

“I welcome this decision as it will provide stability after a period of uncertainty for GKN’s employees."

However, the MP admitted: “I am aware some employees are at risk of redundancy.

"Of course, no one wants to see any job losses and I understand this must be a difficult time for all those affected. I will be putting maximum pressure on Melrose to ensure they do all they can, both within the letter and spirit of employment law, to support these employees who have given a large proportion of their career to GKN.

"Melrose should go out of their way to provide these employees with the best available support to help them transition to new roles, they deserve nothing less.

“I will of course continue to keep the current situation under close review and I will remain in touch with GKN and Melrose during this process.

“Melrose must also remain true to their word and fulfil the other commitments made in their legally-binding agreement. They’ve promised to continue to invest in GKN and Melrose must now deliver on this promise to ensure this successful British firm remains at the forefront of engineering long into the future.”

Melrose won its takeover battle to buy GKN in March after securing the backing of the engineering giant’s shareholders.

A total of 52.43 per cent investor votes were cast in favour of the deal going ahead, just above the 50 per cent plus 1 share threshold.