260 JOBS UNDER THREAT AT JABIL
Second jobs blow for area this month
West Lothian has been dealt another jobs blow with the news that over 200 jobs are under threat at electronics firm Jabil.
The company said it was entering into a consultation process with its 260 workers after deciding the plant is “unsustainable” and manufacturing will stop by the end of the year.
The news follows the announcement earlier this month by pharmaceutical giant Johnson and Johnson that nearly 400 jobs are at risk at its Ethicon base in Livingston.
In a statement Jabil bosses said: “Following a detailed strategic review of the Jabil Livingston site business plan and future loading requirements, we have concluded that there is unsustainable current and future demand to support the viability of the site.
“after careful consideration of all viable options,we are today announcing the commencement of a formal consultation process with our employees, with the intention of a phased run-down of manufacturing at the site.
“It is anticipated that manufacturing will cease by the end of calendar year 2017. this announcement is set to impact approximately 260 manufacturing employees. our Livingston site will continue to employ nearly 100 global and regional support-based employees. this announcement is in no way a reflection of the hard work, dedication and loyalty of our Livingston-based employees. We are committed to supporting them throughout the consultation and subsequent career search.”
West Lothian Council said it will do all it can to help those affected by the proposed closure.
a council spokesperson said:“news that the plant is to close is extremely disappointing and our immediate thoughts are with those staff affected and their families.
“Jabil is well established and a significant employer in the area. this closure comes only a matter of weeks after the announcement that Johnston and Johnston are to close their Livingston plant with the loss of approximately 400 jobs. We will seek to meet with Jabil’s senior management and our partners as quickly as possible to discuss all and any alternatives to safeguard these jobs.
“We will do all we can to ensure that all options are explored.”
angela Constance, MSp for almond Valley, said: “they’ve been a valued employer in the area for many years and these manufacturing jobs will be a big loss,”she continued.“I asked the Scottish government’s paCe (partnership for action on Continuous employment) team to contact Jabil, which they’ve done, and Scottish enterprise will also be visiting the company.
“We must do all we can to help those affected.”
Lothian MSp neil Findlay described the announcement as “another hammer blow to West Lothian”.
He added:“In recent weeks we have lost 400 jobs at ethicon and now these jobs at Jabil too.
“My thoughts are with everyone affected by these closures.“