Local MPs Sandra Osborne and Cathy Jamieson are devastated at the news that almost 600 people have been made redundant, following the collapse of one of Scotland's biggest coal-mining companies Scottish Resources Group who have put the firm into administration. Its six open cast mines in East Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire and Fife have stopped production.
Sandra said
"This devastating and disappointing decision follows months of action to stave off the worst effects of the redundancies that had previously been announced and were under consultation. I have been involved with other colleagues in meetings and negotiations with Government Ministers in London, talks with management and union; and with the Scotland Office Minister David Mundell and East Ayrshire Council. Suddenly, in spite of al these negotiations and without any warning or communication from anyone, we are told that the company has gone into administration."
The two local MPs will now be seeking an urgent meeting with the administrator to see what he intends and to assess the possibility of securing a buyer to retain as many jobs as possible and to keep open the potential for expansion in the future.
Cathy Jamieson said, "The loss of these jobs is a body blow to the local area and I will be calling for a Task Force with teeth to be set up to address the local situation and to take effective action.
Sandra added
"This will greatly add to the already high levels of deprivation in the coalfields areas. The Coalfields Regeneration Trust have recently identified a substantial increase in deprivation in the coalfield areas as a result of the recession even before this announcement.
We also need a realistic Plan B for the area and this should include a powerful task force; substantial economic investment, and urgent action by the Scottish Government"
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Sandra said
"This devastating and disappointing decision follows months of action to stave off the worst effects of the redundancies that had previously been announced and were under consultation. I have been involved with other colleagues in meetings and negotiations with Government Ministers in London, talks with management and union; and with the Scotland Office Minister David Mundell and East Ayrshire Council. Suddenly, in spite of al these negotiations and without any warning or communication from anyone, we are told that the company has gone into administration."
The two local MPs will now be seeking an urgent meeting with the administrator to see what he intends and to assess the possibility of securing a buyer to retain as many jobs as possible and to keep open the potential for expansion in the future.
Cathy Jamieson said, "The loss of these jobs is a body blow to the local area and I will be calling for a Task Force with teeth to be set up to address the local situation and to take effective action.
Sandra added
"This will greatly add to the already high levels of deprivation in the coalfields areas. The Coalfields Regeneration Trust have recently identified a substantial increase in deprivation in the coalfield areas as a result of the recession even before this announcement.
We also need a realistic Plan B for the area and this should include a powerful task force; substantial economic investment, and urgent action by the Scottish Government"
Ends