THE Scottish Government has held talks with management at Rolls-Royce in a bid to protect the 1,300-strong workforce at the firm’s Inchinnan plant from the axe.

Staff at the Renfrewshire factory, which manufactures compressor blades and seals for planes, are facing an uncertain future after the company announced plans to cut at least 9,000 jobs globally.

The firm has yet to say how the cuts will affect the Inchinnan workforce but Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, said the Scottish Government has offered its full support in a bid to protect jobs there.

He added: “I am concerned at Rolls-Royce’s plans to make significant global cuts at what is already a worrying time for employees and their families.

“We fully recognise the vital role Rolls-Royce and the wider manufacturing sector plays in Scotland’s economy and we are absolutely committed to supporting and working with the industry.”

One worker at the Inchinnan plant told The Gazette how the coronavirus crisis has led to huge uncertainty. 

“It’s been really worrying for everyone here recently,” said the employee, who asked not to be named. “We don’t know how many people here will be going.”

Labour MSP Neil Bibby, who represents Renfrewshire as part of his West Scotland remit, said the proposed job cuts could have a “devastating” impact on the local area.

“Both the Scottish and UK governments have a responsibility to do everything they can to prevent job losses on this scale,” he added.

“There must be meaningful engagement with trade unions to establish what assistance is needed now to save people’s jobs.”

The cuts were announced at a time when Covid-19 is having a massive impact on the aviation industry.

Rolls-Royce chief executive Warren East said that, while the company is having to make “difficult decisions” to see it through the crisis, it is engaging with employee representatives and looking at viable alternatives.

Meanwhile, the UK Government has said it is working closely with Rolls-Royce to understand the level of employee support required.

A spokesperson added: “We know this will be distressing news for Rolls-Royce employees and we stand ready to support those who may be affected and their families.

“Whilst this is a commercial decision by Rolls-Royce, reflecting a reduced demand for new aircraft, we will continue to work closely with the company to ensure it can sustain investment in cutting-edge aerospace technology here in the UK.”

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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