For immediate release:

MSP RAISES 2 SISTERS PROPOSED CLOSURE AT SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey last week (22nd February) highlighted the proposed closure of the 2 Sisters poultry plant at Holyrood.

During a parliamentary question session, Ms Haughey called on business minister Paul Wheelhouse to give the assurance that the Scottish Government “will leave no stone unturned” in pushing for a positive resolution for the plant and workers. After committing to doing so, Mr Wheelhouse praised the Rutherglen MSP for her involvement and committed to working with her going forward.

The Scottish Government’s confirmed that their primary focus is on identifying actions that protect employment at the site, however the government’s Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) team will meet the management of the 2 Sisters Food Group on 5 March to assist with any redundancies should the happen. PACE is the Scottish Government’s national strategic partnership framework for responding to redundancy situations.

Commenting, Clare Haughey MSP said:

“Although there will be no easy fix to this situation, it is incredibly reassuring that the Scottish Government will leave no stone unturned in finding a positive resolution.

“The government have committed to continuing to work with myself, the company, the workforce, the trade unions and the local authority to provide every support possible to ensure a productive future for the Cambuslang site and its workforce.”

ENDS

Notes:

Attached is a still image of Clare Haughey MSP questioning the Scottish Government on the 2 Sisters proposed closure. Taken 22nd February 2018.

Transcript of the exchange between Clare Haughey MSP and Paul Wheelhouse MSP can be found below:

Clare Haughey:

To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with the 2 Sisters Food Group regarding its consultation on closing its factory in Cambuslang.

The Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy (Paul Wheelhouse):

I have written to the chief executive of 2 Sisters Food Group to make clear our desire to work with him and his team to ensure a sustainable future for production in the Cambuslang area. The Scottish Government’s main economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, is exploring options with the company to help to achieve that aim. Although our primary focus is on identifying actions that protect employment at the site, given the consultation that is now under way, we have also offered support to employees who may be affected, through our partnership action for continuous employment initiative. The local PACE team is meeting the management of the 2 Sisters Food Group on 5 March.

Clare Haughey:

Since the announcement of the factory’s proposed closure earlier this month, I have been working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the long-term viability of the site. I have met senior management, the workers, trade unions and neighbouring local businesses to ensure that I am doing all that I possibly can to support 450 jobs at the plant. Indeed, the local community has set up a campaign to save the business, demonstrating just how important the issue is locally.

The potential job losses would be devastating for the local economy, not only in Cambuslang but in surrounding areas. Will the minister give me, the workers and the community the assurance that the Government will leave no stone unturned in finding a positive resolution for the plant?

Paul Wheelhouse:

I commend Clare Haughey for her involvement in trying to support the workforce and, indeed, the company in securing a long-term future for the site. I absolutely give her an assurance that the Scottish Government is committed to working with the company, the trade unions, the workforce and the local authority to provide every support possible to ensure a productive future for the Cambuslang site and its workforce. I am happy to continue to work with Clare Haughey, who I know has shown great interest in the issue and has contacted me directly to see what help can be provided, and I am keen to work with all local stakeholders and elected members to make that happen.

 

Date published: 27th February 2018