AstraZeneca Action Group Press Statement 5th March 2010

5 March 2010

Joint Statement from the Action Group re AstraZeneca announcement

All parties were grateful for the opportunity to meet today at this early stage. We had a very constructive discussion. The meeting today has been an important step in the process of exploring future options for the Charnwood site and how best to support all those who are affected.

It is still early days and there is much to be done over the next 18 months but it is important that we put plans in place as a matter of urgency to help deal with the situation.

At the meeting today it was agreed that EMDA will establish a task force including AstraZeneca. The priority will be to put support in place to help the people affected to find new jobs or set up their own businesses. The other important aspects will be finding new uses for the site and creating new employment opportunities in the local economy.

One of the early actions will be to carry out an economic impact assessment which will help the task force decide where to focus its efforts.

We have agreed to meet again within the next month.