REDUNDANCIES AT BAXTERS of Fochabers will be phased in over a two-year period with 16 posts expected to go initially.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart stepped into the emerging issue last week after Baxters revealed up to 80 jobs in Fochabers were in danger of being lost as part of a major restructuring exercise by the Moray firm.
Mr Stewart wrote to the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise seeking information on support that would be offered to both the company and their staff as a result of the job losses.
Now the MSP has received a response by the Chairman of HIE, Alex Paterson, advising that the main agency involved in the matter was Skills Development Scotland (SDS), who were leading in the Partner Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) response, adding that HIE was working in close support.
In his letter Mr Paterson added that a meeting between PACE and Baxters had taken place with “some positive outcomes”.
The MSP said: “I am satisfied that the appropriate agencies are actively involved in this issue and in particular that a PACE response has been set up.
“Initially we were advised that Baxters of were looking at shedding up to 80 jobs as they went into a period of transformational change to make the company more competitive for the European market.
“I understand that the redundancies will take effect over the next two years with 16 workers going initially. Support will continue throughout this two-year period and I can only hope that those made redundant can diversify and find other employment.
“I am keen to remain in contact with the parties concerned to make sure that all that can be done is being done.”