Goodyear offers laid off Wolverhampton workers new jobs - in Mexico!

Last month the firm announced it is closing its site on Bushbury Lane with the loss of 330 jobs by 2017.

But this week a notice appeared on the factory floor offering beleaguered staff further opportunities with the firm more than 4,000 miles away at its new tyre plant in Central America.

The advert has been described as a 'kick in the teeth' by staff and 'crazy' by union bosses.

It invites workers the chance to apply for positions in the human resources, production and quality departments at the Mexican plant, which is set to open at the same time the Wolverhampton site closes.

One worker, who asked not to be named, told the Express & Star: "None of us know whether to laugh or cry. It's a bit daunting when you consider they are laying off everyone here and we're being told we can apply for jobs in Mexico.

"I mean realistically who is going to go over there? The wages will be crap and expecting people with families to just stop everything and go over the other side of the world is ridiculous.

"It's a bit of a kick in the teeth at a time when we're still holding out in the hope we can save our jobs here."

Another worker said the notice had been the talk of the shop floor since it went up.

"Everyone's been talking about it," he said. "We all thought it was a joke at first, but it's legitimate.

"The site in Mexico opens at the same time we are closing down, but I don't think any of us will be upping sticks to go over there for work."

Wolverhampton North East MP Emma Reynolds said: "I haven't seen this with my own eyes but if this is the case then it is unacceptable and ridiculous that they should expect staff to move to Mexico to keep their jobs."

Andy Taylor, regional officer for Unite, said: "This is crazy. With the current situation there I have no idea why Goodyear would advertise for jobs in Mexico.

"For most of the workforce in Wolverhampton moving over there would be a completely unreasonable proposition.

"I can't understand this at all. It sounds like a joke."

Mr Taylor said he plans to raise the issue in a meeting at the site today.

The plant in Mexico is expected to cost around $550million and will be based in the central state of San Luis Potosi.

It will employ 1,000 workers and is expected to produce tyres for the growing market in the Americas.