'We've been let down big-time by Vauxhall closure'

Vauxhall workers say they feel "betrayed" and "let down" by the company's owner Stellantis after it confirmed the closure of its Luton van factory.

The car company said on Wednesday that the site, which has been making vehicles since 1905, would close in April, having first announced in November that it would close.

More 1,000 jobs are at risk, although Stellantis said an additional 600 staff were needed at its plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, and that it would offer relocation support.

The BBC spoke to several workers who expressed fears about finding another job but did not want to move to Cheshire.

Dave Short said it was "daunting" looking for new work at the age of 60.

"Luckily I've done a HGV training course, but I didn't know if I could find a new career as a lot is online now," he said.

"I feel like we've been let down by Stellantis big-time.

"We're the third most profitable company in Europe and we've done everything they wanted: cut heads, increased profit, increased vans, and they're still screwing us."

Sandra Geary, 31, has worked at Vauxhall for 10 years as a warranty analyst, and her father also works there.

"I'm the fourth generation of my family to work here – it's part of my lineage and it feels like it flows completely through my veins," she said.

On news of the closure, she said: "It's heartbreaking. I can't really describe how bad the emotions have been since November."

Ms Geary said she would not move "because of family" but "there are people considering it".

"Quite a lot of people here have really invaluable skillsets which they'll need in Ellesmere Port," she said.

She is "choosing to remain optimistic" about finding new work.

"The skills I've learned here have been so valuable and I believe it will open doors, but it's just not something I thought I'd be having to do at 31," she said.

Adrian Tooth, 65, has worked at Vauxhall for most of his adult life – 44 years.

"Who's going to employ me? I'm 66 later this year and from April I'll have no job," he said.

"It's not worth moving to Ellesmere Port, because of my age.

"I'm not surprised at the news, but I still think it's a betrayal. They said if we do this or that; we cut the price per vehicle down – but they still shut the place. It's all to do with money.

"Vauxhall has been here for over 100 years and they [Stellantis] put another factory in Turkey and pay them half the wages."

Peter Harding, 59, has worked at Vauxhall for 24 years, in after-sales and now as a forklift driver.

"It's devastating news for everyone. None of us expected this," he said.

"I've just got to go and get another job. I've got a family of four children, a wife, a mortgage, like everyone else.

"I was hoping to retire from here, to get another six to seven years. It's not looking too good at the minute but hopefully, touch wood, something will come."

Mr Harding said he "would consider" moving to Ellesmere Port, "but my wife wouldn't".

"It's a big upheaval; two of my kids have jobs down here. To stop everything and move to Liverpool? No."

Stellantis said it would now start "the process of individual consultation with each of our employees", which would "take some time".

"These employees are our priority and we will continue to act responsibly towards those in Luton," it said.

"Our focus will now be to work closely with the trade union to support employees. This will include financial support, relocation support for those who wish to transition to Ellesmere Port and onsite support activities, such as job fairs, CV writing, retraining support and wellness sessions."