540 jobs go as colliery is mothballed

The announcement was made by owners Hargreaves Services after the board decided there was no other ‘viable alternative solution’.

The board announced its proposal to mothball the mine this week on health and safety, geological and financial grounds in early November.

Since then members continued to consult and meet with employees and trades union representatives.

On 30th November, a working party made of employees, union representatives and external consultants presented alternative proposals to the board.

But a statement released on Monday said: “The working party submissions have been carefully considered and evaluated both by the board of Maltby Colliery and, subsequently, by the board of Hargreaves Services.”

“The Company has now concluded that, as with its own previous findings, the plans presented by the working party do not provide it with a viable alternative solution.”

“It is therefore with regret the company confirms today that the proposed mothballing of Maltby Colliery will proceed.”

The mothballing process is planned to be completed by the end of March 2013.

The statement conitnued: “The company remains committed to exploring alternative employment opportunities for staff, both within the wider Hargreaves Group and externally.”

“The Company is also working closely with external agencies to provide maximum opportunities for its committed and loyal workforce.”

Rother Valley MP Kevin Barron worked at Maltby Colliery for 18 years before being elected to Parliament and said it was the end of an era for the town..

He said: “The priority now must be to find work for the people who will be made redundant.”

“Maltby is the last coal mine to close in the Rother Valley, when I was first elected there were six working collieries and a workshop.”

“It is the end of an era for the constituency.”