Employment issues [Transmanche Link Region]

The Transmanche Region consists of South East Kent and Nord Pas de Calais. The tunnel provides the land link between both ends of the region. The infrastructure in place on both sides of the Channel, combined with the traditional forms of transport, provide an exceptional base for business development. In 1996, with the completion of Ashford International Passenger Station, journey times via the tunnel between Ashford and Lille will be cut to just over an hour. By linking the economic hubs of Ashford and Lille and the development of the six ports of Ramsgate/Dunkerque, Dover/Calais and Folkestone/Boulogne as complementary units, the region´s potential for expansion is unique. It provides the fulcrum of a major transport network linking London, Paris and Brussels. The economic advantages to companies relocating are clear as they will be in a pivotal geographical position for distribution of products and services. The author outlines the principal industrial companies in the region including those English companies that have relocated and recruited personnel in France. The business opportunities in Kent and the employment of French workers in the county are also outlined