McAlpine welcomes Business Minister’s letter to Young’s over future of Annan site

MSP Joan McAlpine has welcomed Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse’s letter to Young’s about the proposed closure of the Pinneys plant.

 

Mr Wheelhouse has written to the Chief Executive of Young’s Seafood Ltd to express concern over the potential implications of the  proposal, and to put in writing the Scottish Government’s commitment to work with Young’s in exploring any viable options to protect employment in Annan.

 

The Scottish Government has committed to working with the company through the statutory consultation process on its proposals to explore alternative approaches.

 

Officials will be visiting the site today (Wednesday) to meet with management and take forward discussions, which will then inform the work of the newly formed Action Group involving the Scottish Government, enterprise agencies, Dumfries and Galloway Council and industry stakeholders.

 

Commenting, Ms McAlpine said:

 

“I am pleased that the Minister has re-iterated his commitment to leave no stone unturned in order to save jobs in Annan.

 

“It is disappointing that Young’s did not engage with Scottish Enterprise at an earlier stage, but we are where we are, and the priority must be to maintain some production at the site and retain as many of the jobs as possible.

 

“As Mr Wheelhouse has highlighted,  while the commercial environment might be challenging, Young’s has an obligation to consider the profound impact such a decision will have on the families affected by this announcement.”

 

Business Minister’s letter to Young’s Seafood attached.