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Unite to fight for Johnstons of Elgin jobs


By Lorna Thompson

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UNITE Scotland has pledged to fight to save jobs at Johnstons of Elgin.

The high-end cashmere manufacturer and retailer announced on Monday that 65 jobs were at risk at the Elgin mill. Some 23 jobs are also under threat at its site in Hawick.

Johnstons of Elgin said it had taken the decision due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on its markets.

The firm employs about 1,000 people between its two mills and visitor centres in Elgin and Hawick, and its stores in St Andrews, Edinburgh and London.

Unite regional officer Graeme Turnbull said: "The announcement by Johnstons of Elgin is a bitter blow for the workers at the firm’s Elgin and Hawick sites.

"There is now an ongoing redundancy consultation involving the workforce, which is scheduled to conclude in October.

"While, at this stage, there are no compulsory redundancies, Unite’s efforts will be completely fixed on ensuring that no worker will be forced to leave their role if they wish to stay at the firm.

"We understand the pressures on business due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but we ask that Johnstons of Elgin work with us to ensure that we save as many jobs as possible and we stave off, in all circumstances, any future announcements."

The Johnstons of Elgin visitor centre in Elgin.
The Johnstons of Elgin visitor centre in Elgin.

Johnstons of Elgin has said it will do everything in its power to minimise the number of compulsory redundancies.

The company's chief executive, Simon Cotton, said the decision had been taken out of necessity to protect the long-term health of the business.

Moray Conservative MP Douglas Ross said he would also do his utmost to ensure job losses were kept to a minimum and to help those affected find new roles.

The coronavirus impact on the firm will have been compounded by Brexit and the US tariffs imposed on cashmere products, Moray SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said.

More stories here.


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