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Taskforce to support Vauxhall staff after closure

Louise Parry
BBC News, Bedfordshire
John Sibley/Reuters The back of the Vauxhall van plant in Luton, with a huge red poster on the side saying VIVARO MADE HERE and a photo of a red van. Two large industrial buildings stand side by side, with a blue fire escape at the back. Flanked by a tall green metal fence and a road, two cars drive past.John Sibley/Reuters
Luton's Vauxhall van plant closed in March 2025 after 120 years

A council has set up a group to support former Vauxhall workers with what it called the "significant economic and social impact" of the factory's closure.

An estimated 1,200 employees were affected by Stellantis's decision to shut the Luton plant in March, 120 years after it started manufacturing vehicles.

Hazel Simmons, Labour leader of Luton Council, said the closure "was a profound moment for our town, and we needed to act with unity, urgency, and ambition".

A taskforce met to discuss how to limit the economic impact and provide future jobs and growth for the area.

It was set up by Luton Council with the support of central government and the minister for industry, who delivered the opening address.

MP Sarah Jones said: "We know this will be a concerning time for Stellantis employees and their families, and we fully support the work of the Luton Taskforce to help those affected through this process."

The Kimpton Road site has been bought by property group Goodman, which said it would spend £400m regenerating the site into a "high-quality commercial and industrial park".

Goodman said its investment in the industrial estate could create more than 1,700 jobs, once works were completed in 2028.

Contributed A casual photo taken inside the Vauxhall plant on its last day, showing staff gathered around on the factory floor with a white van in the centre. Some people are taking photos and a few have orange, blue or yellow high vis vests on.Contributed
Some of the 1,200 workers gathered on the factory floor on the day the plant closed

The taskforce will come up with proposals to central government "for a comprehensive economic response package for Luton".

It will focus on "immediate support for affected workers and their families" as well as "longer-term regeneration" of the town, including providing skills and retraining packages.

It will also recognise Luton's industrial heritage by developing a plan to "ensure the legacy of over 120 years of car and van manufacturing".

Simmons said: "This is in line with our economic growth strategy, which sets out a clear vision for creating a stronger, and more productive economy, which delivers greater opportunities for our residents, improves their everyday lives and ensures that no one is left behind."

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