Published: Wednesday, 10th June, 2009 2:30pm

Firm accused of 'unnecessary' job cuts

by Angela Murphy

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A FACTORY worker from Johnstone is hitting out at his company for making "unnecessary" redundancies.

Rolls-Royce is under fire for laying off staff despite receiving huge government grants to safeguard local employers.

The Inchinnan-based business has received £23 million worth of grants since 1996, aimed at creating new jobs and safeguarding existing ones.

But company bosses are currently laying off many of its workers, leading to harsh criticism from workers and local politicians.

One of the factory floor employees, who has worked for Rolls-Royce for more than 40 years blasted: 'All of the skilled workers received a letter saying that people would be selected for redundancy about three weeks ago.

'We were advised that voluntary redundancy would be an option, but about 26 or 27 people were whittled down to be made redundant and were told last Tuesday.

'We feel that they are using the recession as an excuse to lay off workers.

'Rolls-Royce are actively looking to start up new offices around the world and our workload has never lessened.

'The recession will not hit us for at least another six months.'

Dr Bill Wilson, SNP MSP for the West of Scotland said: 'Rolls-Royce has received numerous grants over the past few years.

'This represents millions of pounds paid over to introduce new projects and safeguard jobs.

'Two of these grants still have conditions associated with them, conditions that Rolls Royce are legally obliged to meet until 2011.

'I have contacted the minister responsible to ensure that any changes which are made by the company fully comply with the conditions of the Regional Selective Assistance grants.

'Renfrewshire is reeling from the news of redundancies at the Hewlett-Packard plant in Erskine.

'Every avenue must be explored to ensure that no more jobs are lost.'

This bad news is a further blow to Renfrewshire; Hewlett-Packard announced more than 800 job cuts at its Erskine plant.

Rolls-Royce were approached for comment but declined to make a formal statement.