THE owner and founder of a major East Lancashire company has written to his workers outlining why he is voting to leave the European Union on Thursday’s referendum.

George Lamb, 81, said he wanted his 60 staff to know that if Britain decides to quit the EU their jobs would be safe.

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The chairman of Blackburn Chemicals Ltd in Cunliffe Road on the Whitebirk Industrial Estate voted to stay in the European Economic Community in 1975 but has now changed his mind on the issue.

Mr Lamb, who founded the company 40 years ago, said: “I wanted my workers to know that a vote to leave would not affect the company and their jobs are safe whatever the country decides.

“I personally am in favour of leaving and I hope my staff will vote that way. But which ever side they are on I want them to vote on this very important issue.”

Blackburn MP Kate Hollern, who wants to stay in the EU, said Mr Lamb was at odds with many business leaders who believe the UK, their companies and their staff will suffer if Thursday’s vote is to leave.

Hyndburn Ukip councillor Paul Thompson said: “I am behind Mr Lamb 300 per cent. He is right about leaving the EU and right to tell his workers that and why they should join him in voting to leave.”

Mr Lamb’s letter to all his employees read: “The EU referendum takes place on June 23 and no one can be certain of the outcome.

“One thing I am certain of is this: BCL will continue to trade with Europe, irrespective of whether we remain in or out.

“BCL is a global company selling to over 60 countries. The EU accounts for 40 per cent of our exports, with 40 per cent going to the rest of the world and just 20 per cent to the UK.

“In 1975 I voted to stay in the trading ‘Common Market’. I did not vote for a ‘political union’. I did not expect to hand sovereignty to the EU. I certainly did not expect unaccountable politicians in Brussels to govern us.

“In 1973, when we joined as its eighth member, the EU accounted for 31 per cent of world economic output.

“Today with 28 members the figure is just 17 per cent, which underlines the shrinking role of the EU in the world economy.

“It appears to me that the EU is heading for a collapse, no matter what. It is a flawed model.

“Having only eight per cent of the voting power, there is little we can do to save it. Cameron tried and got nowhere, but he will not admit failure, what politician does?

“The politicians in Brussels, also will not acknowledge that they are part of a failing organisation. Would you, if you were on that gravy train.

“I am sure you will consider all the arguments, I just thought you would like to know my views and the likely effect on your jobs if we vote to leave – NIL.

“Whatever you decide, please vote, your opinion counts, and your vote counts. Regards, George.

“PS: Much of what I have written above was stated by Lord Bamford, the Chairman of the famous JCB company to his 6,500 employees.”

Mrs Hollern said: “There are plenty of business leaders who disagree with Mr Lamb. He has a right to give his views to his staff but I hope he has given the ‘Remain’ camp access to them as well.”

Mr Lamb said: “There is plenty of information from both sides out there, and a lot of scaremongering by both sides.

“I just wanted to give them my view and to tell them their jobs will not be affected whatever happens.

“Personally I think my company and British business will probably do better outside the EU in the long run than in it.”