Rolls Royce Comment

Commenting on the job losses announced at the Rolls-Royce base at Inchinnan, the SNP MP for Paisley & Renfrewshire North Gavin Newlands said:

“The workforce at the Rolls-Royce Inchinnan base have been integral – both in the UK and abroad – to the success of the firm over many years. The job losses announced today is devastating news which will hit workers, their families and the wider community during these difficult times.

“Throughout the period since the proposed job losses were first announced, the Scottish Government has made clear many times that it is keen to sit down with Rolls-Royce and support the operation at Inchinnan in whatever way it can. That remains the case and it is vital that the firm engages meaningfully and in good faith to protect jobs and people’s livelihoods.

“Even at this late stage, there is still time for management to have substantive discussions with unions and the wider workforce about what action is needed to weather the current economic storm.

“There is no denying the unprecedented challenges the aviation and aerospace industry finds itself in during this health pandemic. However, those challenges are best met by a collective effort by management, workers and unions to map out a future that secures employment and potential long-term growth once we are through the worst of the current crisis.

“It is also extremely disappointing that since the start of the difficulties facing the workforce, not a single UK government minister has contacted me to discuss the future of the plant.

“I urge the UK government to roll up its sleeves and join in efforts to work out a strategy that encourages high-skill, high-value jobs to be safeguarded rather than allowing them to be slashed.”

Tom Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South, added:

““Many of my constituents work at the Inchinnan site, and I have written to the Scottish Government’s Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills urging the government to do all that it can to support employees at the site.

“The workers at Rolls Royce are highly skilled and we must work to retain their talent and skills sets as the Scottish economy moves forward following this pandemic.  My office is ready to help any workers affected by this news.

“It is imperative that the Scottish and UK Governments engage with employees to ensure that they are redeployed and repurposed so that we retain their enormous talent and skill.”