Published: Wednesday, 3rd June, 2009 3:08pm

Computer firm accused of "greed" after jobs blow

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HUNDREDS of Erskine jobs are in the firing line after one of its biggest businesses delivered a devastating blow.

Hewlett Packard announced 843 job cuts at its Erskine site - 70 permanent jobs from HP and 773 agency staff from partner Manpower.

The US firm - the world"s largest PC and printer maker - is blaming the job losses on the worldwide recession.

Jim Sheridan, Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, blasted: 'This is absolute corporate greed.

'The workers have met every challenge presented to them by the company.

'Hewlett-Packard has made £5.1billion profit.

'This is a company exploiting the current economic difficulties and the cheap labour force in the Czech Republic.'

MSP Hugh Henry said the firm has received "huge amounts" of public money to secure its future in Scotland and has called on First Minister Alex Salmond to see if the cash can be clawed back.

A spokesperson for Hewlett-Packard said: 'We understand that this will be a difficult time for the individuals affected and we will do all we can to mitigate the impact of this decision including workforce redeployment wherever possible.

'While manufacturing operations will be discontinued, the facility will remain an important part of HP"s UK business and the local community.'

The company claims that supply chain management, customer support centre and other HP group operations will continue at the campus, retaining more than 500 employees.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Derek Mackay said: 'First and foremost, our concern is for the workers and their families.

'The Council will do all we can along with other public agencies to see that they have access to the best advice and support on everything from retraining or finding other employment, to making sure they get all the benefits to which they are entitled.

'The company has made clear its decision was based on a review of the global operations and in NO way a reflection on the performance of the Renfrewshire plant.

'We will be having discussions as a matter of urgency with not only the company but other agencies and the Scottish Government to see what practical help we can all give the workers affected by this decision.'