Spark has gone at town’s electrical giant
Hamilton politicians expressed their sadness at the end of an era for the town.
Angela Crawley, SNP MP for Lanark and Hamilton East, said:“the Philips factory has been part of the fabric of Hamilton for generations and it is disappointing to hear of its imminent closure.
“It is reassuring that South Lanarkshire Council and the Scottish Government have been working with affected staff to mitigate the loss of jobs.
“I will be working with both organisations to support the staff and ensure Hamilton continues to benefit from high-skilled jobs.”
Christina Mckelvie, SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, said:“it is incredibly saddening to hear about the planned closure of the Philips factory which has been an absolute landmark in Hamilton.
“Of course the most important thing in all of this is the workers affected and the businesses who rent out space in the factory.
“I have already been in touch with Jamie Hepburn, the Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, Scottish Enterprise and South Lanarkshire Council to ensure that work is ongoing to protect those working with Signify and the tenants of the factory.
“I will continue to keep a close eye on events as they progress and do all I can to help those affected.”
For Labour, Ged Killen, MP for Hamilton West and Rutherglen, added:“the announcement that the factory on Wellhall Road is to close is devastating for the Hamilton area, and no less for the 70 employees set to lose their jobs.
“The renowned base, which has continued to be known affectionately in the area as the Philips factory, once employed over 2000 people, many of them in highly-skilled positions, and it has been sad to watch its demise in recent years.
“I understand that Scottish Enterprise’s Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) team has been working with employees since the closure was first communicated last year.
“I will be writing to MSP Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, to find out what the Scottish Government can do to help these specialised workers.”