A PLEA has been issued to help staff at a Renfrewshire-based fashion chain that has plunged into administration for a second time. 

West of Scotland MSP Katy Clark wants Holyrood chiefs to launch a "ministerial task force" to protect jobs under threat at M&Co, which has stores in Johnstone and Paisley.

The retailer, based in Inchinnan, confirmed last week that financial advisory firm Teneo had been brought in as administrators.

Ms Clark said she had written to Business Minister Ivan McKee to warn that there was a risk of mass redundancies during a cost-of-living crisis without intervention from the Scottish Government.

The Labour politician, who represents Renfrewshire as part of her West Scotland remit, told The Gazette: "There is already a dearth of well-paid jobs and opportunities across the west of Scotland.

"Years of underinvestment and neglect has been exacerbated during the pandemic, with industries like retail taking a battering, and yet more closures will further scar our depleted high streets.

"That is why the Scottish Government must seriously engage with the UK Government, the relevant trade unions and the business itself and set up a task force with the explicit purpose of protecting these jobs.

"Protecting the livelihood of workers should be at the top of ministers' agenda as the cost-of-living crisis intensifies this winter.

"If these jobs cannot be saved, there needs to be funding and support put in place for those workers affected."

Mr McKee said it was "very disappointing" to learn of the appointment of administrators at M&Co.

He added: "This will be a difficult time for the company's staff, their families and the local area. 

"The people affected by this development are the immediate priority and the Scottish Government will do everything in its power to help those affected through its initiative for responding to redundancy situations, Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE). 

"Our PACE team has already contacted the administrators to make them aware of our offer of PACE support in the unfortunate event that it may be needed."

Last week, Teneo confirmed no immediate redundancies had been made and M&Co would continue to trade while a potential sale of the business is explored.

The retailer previously collapsed in 2020 but assets were immediately bought back by the family that built it up.

However, the firm was forced to close dozens of stores and make hundreds of staff redundant as part of a major restructuring.