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Joint Stakeholder Group hears revised plan that would retain jobs in Fraserburgh.

Business Minister Fergus Ewing yesterday welcomed ‘significant’ new plans for Young’s Seafood sites at Fraserburgh and Grantown on Spey.

The company is considering maintaining production on a reduced scale at Fraserburgh and is seeking a buyer for Grantown on Spey.

Mr Ewing said:

“The Scottish Government has made every effort to safeguard jobs at Young’s two sites in Fraserburgh and Grantown on Spey.

“I am pleased that Young’s is now exploring a revised option which would see their Fraserburgh factory remain open, albeit downsized to around 250 permanent staff - around half the current number - with no redundancies before 2016. An alternative buyer would be sought for the Grantown on Spey facility.

“This is a significant and welcome move. Young’s have engaged closely with the Scottish Government and public sector partners. They have demonstrated a willingness to listen and recognise the value of retaining many of their dedicated workers in Scotland.

“Of course many people will still face redundancy and we will continue to provide every possible support to those workers who need our help.

“This builds on the practical work already underway that the Joint Stakeholder Group was updated on. Scottish Enterprise is working with Young’s to identify possible resource and energy efficiency savings to reduce operating costs and explore further marketing opportunities. Skills Development Scotland is putting in place the best possible training and support for Young’s workers. That work will continue as we work to secure as many jobs as possible.”

Peter Ward, CEO of Young’s Seafood said:

“The company is committed to constructive engagement with all stakeholders in a transparent way to explore all and every option to retain as many jobs as is feasible. I would like to thank all of the stakeholders present for their commitment and also recognise the on-going commitment of the workforce in these difficult circumstances.

Food Secretary Richard Lochhead also attended yesterday’s meeting. He said:

“From where we were a fortnight ago, it is a step forward that Young’s Seafood see a continued, productive role for the Fraserburgh site and are making every effort to find a buyer for Grantown on Spey.

“Young’s is an essential part of the Scottish food and drink industry, with workers who are skilled and dedicated and we’ll continue to work directly with the company and key partners to help in any way that we can.”

Mr Ewing will tomorrow visit Young’s Grantown on Spey facility to meet staff and discuss the impact at the site.

The Scottish Government's initiative for responding to redundancy situations, Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE), is standing ready to support Young’s workers who will be concerned that they may be facing redundancy.

Notes To Editors

Attendees at yesterday’s meeting were:

• Fergus Ewing MSP (chair)
• Richard Lochhead MSP
• Stewart Stevenson MSP
• Eilidh Whiteford MP
• Peter Ward, CEO, Young’s
• Representatives of Young’s, USDAW, Aberdeenshire Council, Scottish Enterprise, and Skills Development Scotland