Jobs axed at leading agri research hub

INVERGOWRIE: Redundancies as James Hutton Institute suffers funding crisis

A “significant” number of jobs will be axed at a world-renowned agricultural research centre in Invergowrie by Dundee.

The James Hutton Institute, which employs around 550 people, said the proposed job losses are a result of “current funding constraints”.

The centre carries out interdisciplinary research into agriculture, soil and land use.

A spokesman said: “A revised operating model has been developed in tandem with defining a structure that is affordable to address the current funding constraints.

“Unfortunately, this requires a reduction in the number of staff positions and accordingly a programme of redundancies will be undertaken.”

Trade union Prospect said it is expecting a significant number of redundancies.

Negotiations officer Ian Perth said: “This will come as devastating news to scientists and support staff at the institute.”

A Dundee-based MSP has said the city cannot afford to lose jobs at the James Hutton Institute.

Labour MSP Jenny Marra urged the Scottish Government to step in to help protect jobs and the groundbreaking research being carried out at the Invergowrie institute.

Formed in 2011 following the merger of the Scottish Crop Research Institute and the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, it carries out interdisciplinary research into agriculture, soil and land use.

Ms Marra said: “The Scottish Government needs to tell us what they will do to protect this important research hub and the jobs there.

“This news comes as the Auditor General for Scotland warns about cuts to universities and research which is a huge economic driver, especially in the Dundee area.

“I will be asking questions in Parliament next week about what can be done to avoid job losses at the James Hutton Institute,” she added.

Angus Conservative MP Kirstene Hair said: “This is very disappointing news at one of Scotland’s most forward-thinking businesses.

“I was privileged to officially open James Hutton’s revolutionary raspberry tunnels last year.

“Its experts have informed the future of Scottish and global agriculture for almost two decades.

“I have contacted the management team to offer assistance. And I urge the SNP Government to stand ready to help employees affected, in line with UK Government backing through the Tay Cities Deal.”

An independent report estimated that the institute delivers £12.75 of economic benefit for each £1 received in funding from the Scottish Government.

It also operates farms in Aberdeenshire, Lanarkshire and Balruddery in Angus.