400 jobs at risk as medical giant is set to axe plant

PHARMACEUTICAL giant Johnson & Johnson plans to close its Livingston plant, putting 400 jobs at risk.

The West Lothian factory, which is operated by subsidiary Ethicon, makes surgical sutures for the medical services division of the £60billion-a-year corporation.

The move is a part of the firm’s ‘global restructuring’ and the jobs are likely to move overseas within 18 months. However, Unite regional officer Derek Ormston said: ‘This is shocking news. Many of our members at Ethicon have given years of service to the company and to be rewarded in this way will be heartbreaking.

‘Unite will work hard to defend their jobs throughout the consultation process.

‘We will also be looking for support from politicians and public bodies. Ethicon has received public money to support its operations in Livingston, so they have a special responsibility to the workers.’

Scottish Government officials described the move as ‘disappointing’. Economy Secretary Keith Brown said: ‘This will be an extremely anxious time for employees.

‘We have been engaging with Johnson & Johnson, along with our enterprise agencies, to explore support for the business. Unfortunately the company has decided to enter into consultation on possible site closure, which is hugely disappointing.’

The UK Government has also pledged to try to save jobs. Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: ‘The UK Government has been working closely with Johnson & Johnson and ministers will continue to hold discussions to secure the future of the site.’