Swinney visits firm amid job cuts

Scottish government will help the workers axed at Hewlett-Packard

Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney is visiting computer firm Hewlett-Packard's base in the wake of huge job cuts at its manufacturing plant.

More than 700 jobs are to go in Erskine, Renfrewshire, as the company moves production to the Czech Republic to lower its costs.

Mr Swinney will meet management and staff at the factory as the Scottish Government seeks to minimise the impact of the restructuring plans.

HP announced the proposal despite an offer to help sustain manufacturing at the Erskine plant.

Staff working in customer support, sales and its ordering and supply business will remain at the site.

Those facing redundancy will receive help from the Government's Pace (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) scheme.

Mr Swinney said: "We were aware that this review was taking place, and Scottish Enterprise made an offer of support to sustain manufacturing in Erskine, but the company had determined on the move to the lower cost base in Eastern Europe.

"The Scottish Government will pursue a two-pronged strategy to deal with this situation.

"With Scottish Enterprise we will continue to work with the company to build its other operations in supply management, customer support, and business group operations.

"And the rapid deployment of the Pace resources will help employees consider alternative options."