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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| McConnell concern at job losses | McConnell concern at job losses |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| A Scottish company which closed two factories in Ayrshire with immediate effect has been criticised by First Minister Jack McConnell. | A Scottish company which closed two factories in Ayrshire with immediate effect has been criticised by First Minister Jack McConnell. |
| About 420 manufacturing staff lost their jobs when Simclar factories in Irvine and Kilwinning closed on Monday. | About 420 manufacturing staff lost their jobs when Simclar factories in Irvine and Kilwinning closed on Monday. |
| Mr McConnell said Simclar did not appear to have "acted properly" in meeting its responsibilities. | Mr McConnell said Simclar did not appear to have "acted properly" in meeting its responsibilities. |
| Local MSP Irene Oldfather expressed fears of minimum redundancy payments "amid suggestions of asset stripping". | |
| During First Minister's Questions, Ms Oldfather asked for a meeting with Mr McConnell to meet the "substantial challenge which we will face in North Ayrshire to absorb these job losses". | During First Minister's Questions, Ms Oldfather asked for a meeting with Mr McConnell to meet the "substantial challenge which we will face in North Ayrshire to absorb these job losses". |
| Mr McConnell agreed and added: "It does appear to be the case this company has not acted properly in carrying out its responsibilities. | Mr McConnell agreed and added: "It does appear to be the case this company has not acted properly in carrying out its responsibilities. |
| "I think that is very unfortunate." | "I think that is very unfortunate." |
| 'Appalling' treatment | 'Appalling' treatment |
| Simclar said it had been unable to remain competitive. | Simclar said it had been unable to remain competitive. |
| The Dunfermline-based firm blamed pressure from low cost economies and falling orders. | The Dunfermline-based firm blamed pressure from low cost economies and falling orders. |
| Meanwhile, an MP is to question managers at the Simclar Group. | Meanwhile, an MP is to question managers at the Simclar Group. |
| Labour MP Brian Donohoe claimed the closure had been planned for some time and said the local workforce had been treated appallingly. | Labour MP Brian Donohoe claimed the closure had been planned for some time and said the local workforce had been treated appallingly. |
| Mr Donohoe told BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme: "It is quite obvious, from some time ago, this was all planned and kept very quiet." | Mr Donohoe told BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme: "It is quite obvious, from some time ago, this was all planned and kept very quiet." |
| The MP said he was stopped by "what you would describe as bouncers" from going into one of the factories. | The MP said he was stopped by "what you would describe as bouncers" from going into one of the factories. |
| "I found it quite appalling," he added. | "I found it quite appalling," he added. |
| On Tuesday, Mr Donohoe asked Prime Minister Tony Blair to make £1m available to help workers find other employment. | On Tuesday, Mr Donohoe asked Prime Minister Tony Blair to make £1m available to help workers find other employment. |
| The Scottish Executive said a team is on the ground to help workers. | The Scottish Executive said a team is on the ground to help workers. |