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Barbour to close Scottish plant | Barbour to close Scottish plant |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A world-famous clothing firm is to close its plant in the Scottish Borders with the loss of 46 jobs. | |
Tyneside-based J Barbour & Sons has confirmed plans to shut the Tweedbank site, near Galashiels, on 31 January. | Tyneside-based J Barbour & Sons has confirmed plans to shut the Tweedbank site, near Galashiels, on 31 January. |
In a short statement it said that after a meeting with union Unite and "lengthy discussions and negotiations" a deal had been agreed to close the plant. | In a short statement it said that after a meeting with union Unite and "lengthy discussions and negotiations" a deal had been agreed to close the plant. |
The Borders factory was opened 12 years ago and produces classic knitwear and weaving. | The Borders factory was opened 12 years ago and produces classic knitwear and weaving. |
Last year the firm - which makes wax jackets for the Queen - announced that it was seeking voluntary redundancies at the site. | Last year the firm - which makes wax jackets for the Queen - announced that it was seeking voluntary redundancies at the site. |
That was due to plans to reduce production at its Galashiels operation. | |
Last October the firm were looking for voluntary redundancies amongst the workforce, but there was no indication that they were going to close the factory completely Christine Grahame MSP | |
At the time the company said it hoped the reduction would be temporary. | At the time the company said it hoped the reduction would be temporary. |
However, after talks with unions it has decided to close the factory completely. | |
South of Scotland SNP MSP Christine Grahame said she was shocked by the news. | |
"Last October the firm were looking for voluntary redundancies amongst the workforce but there was no indication that they were going to close the factory completely," she said. | |
"I am going to determine what has happened in just a few short months that has led to the company into making an announcement to close the Borders factory completely. | |
"I will also be asking why there appears to have been no attempt made at seeking support from the Scottish Government before the announcement today." | |
She added that it was "imperative" that a proper support package was put in place for the workers affected. | |
J Barbour & Sons was formed in 1894 in South Shields by a farmer's son from Galloway, in south west Scotland. | J Barbour & Sons was formed in 1894 in South Shields by a farmer's son from Galloway, in south west Scotland. |
It currently employs about 500 workers in total - the majority at its Tyneside base. | It currently employs about 500 workers in total - the majority at its Tyneside base. |