Minister ‘jumps the gun’ on 1,000 new jobs

THE SNP has been accused of ‘jumping the gun’ after hailing the creation of 1,000 jobs at a new factory – as the posts will materialise only if the Spanish firm behind it secures lucrative rail contracts.

Train builder Talgo announced plans yesterday for a manufacturing plant in Fife.

Business quango Scottish Enterprise praised the ‘fantastic news’, while Transport Secretary Michael Matheson praised the potential jobs boost as a ‘significant achievement’. But Talgo later confirmed that work at the Longannet site is ‘contingent on a significant order, which includes HS2 [England’s high-speed rail project] and other franchises’.

Last night, Tory Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said: ‘It would be fantastic to see 1,000 jobs created. However, it seems the SNP may be jumping the gun. Hopefully we will see this promise fulfilled – but it would be premature to say 1,000 jobs are being created.’

A spokesman for Scottish Enterprise posted on Twitter: ‘Our social media makes it clear these are “planned” jobs and our news release explicitly makes reference to the investment being contingent on Talgo securing contracts.’

Longannet beat five other places to be chosen to house Talgo’s first UK base. The area’s connections by sea, rail and road and the availability of skilled workers were said to be the key factors.

Mr Matheson said: ‘This investment is a significant achievement for Scotland.

‘Should Talgo be successful in its bid to win the contract for HS2 rolling stock, this factory would bring a great number of new jobs to Fife. However, the full economic impact of such an investment would be felt right across Scotland.’