25/1/2008

SHOCK AND ANGER – As another Borders firm faces closure

Shock and anger. That is reaction of workers in the Borders as another long-established firm announced it was to close its doors for good. Buccleuch Printers, formerly McQueen’s of Galashiels, has informed its employees that they will be made redundant by the end of next week. The firm employs around 30 specialist print workers. SNP MSP Christine Grahame has said the decision is a devastating blow to the region coming so soon after Barbours announced it was closing earlier this month. Ms Grahame said:

“I am surprised and shocking that another Borders firm is about to close down, so soon after the announcement made at Barbours.
 
“It is barely over a year since Buccleuch Printers’ Managing Director, Stuart Latta, confidently told Galashiels employees that the move from Galashiels to the firm’s Hawick site would ‘safeguard jobs for the future’.

“I have asked Scottish Borders Enterprise to provide me with details of all public funds the firm has received, particularly since the move to Hawick. If there is any suggestion that public funds have been used with the aim of effectively asset stripping the company, resulting in these job losses then it is imperative those funds are retrieved.

“Many of the workers at the firm have never before been made redundant. I have called on Scottish Enterprise Borders to ensure their PACE team (Partnership Action for Continued Employment) gets access to the workforce early next week and provide support, assistance and if necessary re-training opportunities for affected workers.

“I will also be seeking a meeting with the management to determine the specific reasons behind why they felt the firm was no longer viable.

“From the evidence I have so far it appears they have not tried as hard as they could have to secure the firm’s future.”

In October 2006 Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker believed the closure of the Galashiels factory was the right decision and added:

“It is always disappointing when you hear about job losses, but we have a task force in place to help these people find alternative work. Reinvestment into safeguarding the remaining jobs in Hawick has to be welcomed, and we can only wish Buccleuch Printers well.”

SNP It’s time.....