‘Body blow’ for Boulby

Around 140 employees are facing redundancy at a Teeside potash mine, after bosses announced “further restructuring” measures.

The job losses, which are expected to take place by the end of the year, are the second round of redundancies to hit workers at the Boulby Potash Mine this year and come just months after a major fire at the site.

Owners ICL said the redundancies were due to falling potash prices and announced plans to increase the mining of polysulphate fertiliser.

ICL potash vice president Peter Smith said, “We have seen global potash prices continue to decline. In addition, we are having to make operational changes reflecting the limited areas where we can economically mine, whilst maintaining our commitment to ensure that we place safety as our top priority.

“This means we now need to set a production level to reflect those factors – in other words a reduced level of potash mining over the next couple of years whilst we build the polysulphate market.

“This involves considering the implications for our workforce levels and we are beginning consultations over proposals for a reduction of circa 140 jobs.”

The announcement follows on the heels of a number of serious incidents at the mine, including a fatality and a fire in which 11 miners who were trapped underground had to be rescued by their colleagues.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Tom Blenkinsop warned ICL that the safety of the men came before all else.

He said, “Safety must be the first priority in any potentially dangerous workplace and I will be seeking assurances from the mine’s owners that they have taken this into account when deciding on these new job losses.

“I already have concerns that the new 11.5 hour shifts could have an effect on safety and I would like a guarantee that proper consultations will take place if there are any further changes to the shift pattern and that the high temperatures and hazardous conditions are taken into account when changes are made.”

Unite regional coordinating officer Tim Bush described the news as a “body blow” for the miners and said the union would work to protect their best interests.

He said, “This is another body blow to the workers at the mine and to the East Cleveland population.

“Coming so soon after the redundancies earlier in the year, our members have really not had the time to adjust to new working patterns and are now faced with potentially more redundancies and changes at work.

“We are seeking an urgent meeting with the company to discuss the proposals and to start the formal consultation process with a clear view for meaningful discussions which will aim to reduce and mitigate the impact of the announcement.”