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".

FEARS RAISED OVER INTELLIGENT FINANCE FUTURE

MSP SEEKS REASSURANCES FROM UK GOVERNMENT

SNP MSP for Livingston, Angela Constance, has today written to Gordon Brown and Alasdair Darling, seeking assurances over the future of Intelligent Finance in Livingston.

Ms Constance has reacted with outrage at reports that Lloyds Banking Group may further centralise operations leading to potential redundancies for employees at Intelligent Finance in West Lothian.

Under Lloyds ownership Intelligent Finance has already been forced to stop issuing new mortgages as business is centralised in other brands.

Ms Constance has also raised the issue with Scotland’s Enterprise Minister Jim Mather.
Commenting Ms Constance said:
“From scrapping the provision of new mortgages to the centralisation of services Lloyds ownership is raising real concerns over the future of Intelligent Finance.

“Competition law was changed to allow the merger with HBOS and Lloyds to take place and here we are seeing one of the most competitive 'offset' mortgage products being withdrawn from the UK market place to be replaced with more traditional higher cost products such as fixed rates. This is not good news for the consumer and staff.

"Despite being the first bank to break even in three years and having a huge asset in their Livingston base, the newly formed Lloyds Banking Group are still set on centralising jobs to their bases in Halifax and Gloucestershire, with a huge potential cost to employees in West Lothian.

“It is deeply disappointing the banking group is to downgrade IF to providing savings accounts only, whilst servicing existing mortgage customers.

“Lloyds has a reputation for slashing jobs and that was one of the reasons why I personally opposed the Lloyds takeover of HBOS.

"As major shareholders in Lloyds Banking Group it is incumbent on the UK Government to protect staff, and to protect their interests. There is a real opportunity for a buyer to grow the business and build on past success. Indeed there are other established companies who provide financial services who have an interest in offset products.

“I would like to offer my support to all employees at Intelligent Finance and offer them the assurances that I will personally fight for every job. Lloyds Banking Group needs to think again on these issues."