Labour warns of Hatfield jobs danger (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Labour warns of Hatfield jobs danger

3:35pm Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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HUNDREDS of jobs in Hatfield could be at risk from a proposed merger between mobile phone companies T-Mobile and Orange, Labour politicians are warning.

German-owned T-Mobile, which employs 3,000 people at its UK headquarters on the Hatfield Business Park, won approval from the European Union on March 1 for its plan to join Orange, owned by France Telecom, to form a huge conglomerate.

The merged company will overtake O2 as the largest mobile phone provider in Britain, with more than 28 million customers - 37 per cent of the market .

But MEP Richard Howitt, concerned the merged company will have to slash costs and jobs, will meet T-Mobile's management in Hatfield on Friday, along with Parliamentary candidate Mike Hobday.

Mr Howitt said: "I am coming to Hatfield to urge T-Mobile to end the unsettling speculation over cuts and job losses in the new company .

"T-Mobile and Orange workers need to know if their futures are secure so they can get on with providing for their families and planning for the future.

  “I am glad to have the opportunity to hear directly from the company about their plans for the future and how the concerns over the merger raised by consumer groups and unions can be addressed. Employees need security and consumers are entitled to a fair deal.

 “T-Mobile is an important employer in the town and their continued presence is vital for the town’s prosperity. I hope that Hatfield has a place in the company’s future.”