A SCOTTISH factory is reportedly set to axe more than 400 jobs as orders plummet.
Livingston MP Gregor Poynton has raised concerns about job cuts at the Mitsubishi Electric plant in his constituency.
Speaking at Scottish Questions in Westminster on Wednesday morning, the new Labour MP said the firm was looking to make 440 workers redundant as orders dried up due to “economic pressures”.
He said: “This week we’ve heard the concerning news from Mitsubishi Electric, a plant in my constituency, that it’s looking to reduce its workforce from its current complement of 1600 by 440 jobs.
“Now these are highly-skilled workforce, creating world-leading products and air conditioning units, which will be absolutely vital as we look to decarbonise our economy in the future.
“However, through no fault of their own, due to short-term economic pressures, they’ve seen their order book fall away.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray (above) said he would commit “as a matter of priority” to a meeting with the company and workforce “in the coming weeks”.
Angela Constance, the SNP MSP for Livingston, said she would work with the Scottish and UK governments to “ascertain whether anything can be done to minimise job losses”.
In a statement, Constance (below) said: “I am deeply concerned by today’s reports that over 400 staff at the Mitsubishi Electric factory in my constituency of Livingston could be facing redundancy.
“I will be engaging closely with both the Scottish Government and UK Government to ascertain whether anything can be done to minimise job losses, and to ensure that support reaches those who need it.
"In the meantime, my thoughts are with the employees and their families who are facing uncertainty at this time – and I encourage anyone who thinks they may be impacted to contact my constituency office for guidance.”
A spokesperson for the company said: “Mitsubishi Electric can confirm that it is in consultation about redundancies with staff at its manufacturing facility in Livingston (Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Systems Europe). This decision was not entered into lightly.
“Our priority during the consultation period is to handle the process with the utmost respect and care for everyone involved. We recognise the personal impact of this process and are supporting our team through this transition.
“Despite seeing some growth in the UK market, the majority of our production at the site has been for mainland Europe, where there has been a widespread downturn in demand. This has led to the extremely difficult decision to begin the consultation process.
We remain committed to our facility in Livingston and manufacturing heat pumps at this site. We do not anticipate any effect on deliveries or supply.”
