BACKING FOR BAUSCH AND LOMB WORKERS WELCOMED

SNP MSP Angela Constance has welcomed the commitment of the Scottish Government to workers at the Bausch and Lomb plant in Livingston.

Responding to comments by the First Minister during Question Time today about Scottish jobs, and earlier comments from Lord Foulkes Ms Constance said:

“I welcome the commitment from the Scottish Government to support Scottish jobs such as the workers at Bausch and Lomb as well as the work that was put in prior to the company’s announcement last week.

“I joined John Swinney at Bausch and Lomb on Monday at meetings with the company, and with the local authority and Chamber of Commerce to discuss how we can all ensure future employment for workers at the plant.

“There is a real determination among all those involved in the Livingston economy to support those employees now facing unemployment, to explore all alternatives and to use the coming months to ensure there is a viable future for them in Livingston.”

Responding to earlier comments from Lord Foulkes Ms Constance said:

“Now he has met John Swinney I hope Lord Foulkes will moderate his earlier comments about the situation in Livingston.

“Bausch and Lomb have already said to me they will repay any public money they received in the past. As West Lothian Chamber of Commerce have made clear if some politicians had paid more attention to West Lothian in the past we may not have lost our EU status.

“We would be able to continue to invest money in attracting businesses in the same way Ireland still can.”

LIVINGSTON MSP COMMENTS ON BAUSCH & LOMB JOB LOSSES

Bausch and Lomb, contact lens manufacturers and major employer in the Livingston area have today announced the loss of 500 jobs. It is anticipated that the Livingston site will close in 18 months although a 90 day consultation period on the American company's intentions will commence.

Commenting after the announcement today Livingston MSP Angela Constance said:

"I am deeply saddened by the announcement today by Bausch and Lomb that they will shed 500 jobs. This is a blow for the local economy and the 500 strong workforce who are highly committed, skilled and productive.

"Bausch and Lomb have a long history with Livingston and will now enter a consultation period and do not intend to close the site for 18 months. As a matter of urgency I will be speaking to the Chief Executive of Bausch and Lomb today.

"It has already been indicated by the company that they will consider any proposals put forward by the Scottish Government during the consultation period. I will meet with company representatives, visit the site to speak with staff and make representations to both the Scottish Government and West Lothian Council.

"I want to make sure that everything possible that can be done will be done for the workforce.

"As closure is not imminent I want to ensure that all options other than closure have been fully explored and to establish what opportunities exist to mitigate this colossal job loss".