Girvan factory jobs to go after appeal fails

Apr 24 2009

AN APPEAL to save jobs at a Girvan factory has fallen on deaf ears.

For bosses at the plant, set to shed 145 jobs, say they won’t change their decision.

The news follows a meeting with unions, politicians and management at FMC.

MP Sandra Osborne revealed that a last ditch attempt to influence the decision to shed scores of jobs at the plant failed, despite the support of Scottish industry minister Jim Mather, who was also at the meeting.

The MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock said: “I have repeatedly asked the company if action can be taken that would change their decision to close a big part of the business with the loss of 145 jobs.

“This was raised again at the meeting and Mr Duke (head of FMC Europe) indicated that he could not promise major changes to the current proposal, although he denied my suggestion – which I know is shared by the workforce – that the company was bought over only a short time ago with a view to asset stripping.

“This is a tragedy for Girvan and for those who will lose their jobs.”

The company announced the plan to scale back their Girvan operation earlier this year.

Just 63 jobs will remain.

They did however agree to an improved redundancy package following the meeting last Wednesday.

Mrs Osborne added: “I am pleased to hear that following our meeting and sustained union pressure a revised redundancy package offer is under discussion.

“The very least a loyal workforce can expect is to be fairly treated.”

The move comes after a group claiming to represent families of the workforce wrote directly to Mr Duke appealing for an improved redundancy deal.

The letter said: “If being made redundant is not bad enough, they are to receive the minimum the government will allow.

“That for an average person aged 40 with 20 years of service will be under £10,000.

“Surely you do not think this is fair compensation for the years they have given the Girvan plant.”