COUNCIL leaders and Government agencies have pledged to work together to support Peugeot's workforce following this week's announcement that the Ryton plant is to close.

Regional officials and politicians from Coventry City, Warwickshire County and Rugby Borough councils met government minister Alan Johnson in Coventry yesterday for high level talks.

A ‘Peugeot Partnership’ group has now been set up, including members from each of the three councils affected, Jobcentre Plus, regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, the Learning and Skills Council, central government officials and the Chamber of Commerce. It will chaired by Brian Woods-Scawen, chair of the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Partnership.

MPs, trade union representatives and Peugeot will also be asked to join the group.

The group will draw on experiences following other plant closures, such as MG Rover, to support the Peugeot workforce. At yesterday's meeting with Alan Johnson, members of the partnership group asked for support from the Government on a range of issues, including ensuring co-operation from Peugeot on a range of workforce support issues, requests for possible funding support and recognition of supply chain issues. The minister is due to have further meetings with Peugeot next week.

Leader of Coventry City Council, Cllr Ken Taylor, has also written to the managing director of Peugeot seeking an urgent meeting.

Production started up at the Ryton plant today for the first time since the closure was announced on Tuesday.