Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton Constituency, has called on the Scottish and UK Governments to act immediately to support those who face the prospect of redundancy at Rolls Royce.

This follows the announcement this morning from Rolls Royce that almost 700 employees at its Inchinnan facility are likely to be made redundant.

Jackie Baillie believes that support needs to be provided for the wider aviation industry and in particular Rolls Royce to avoid as many redundancies as possible, and urges the Scottish and U.K. Governments to establish a cross party task force to consider intervening to retain jobs at the Inchinnan site.

Jackie Baillie MSP said:

“I am deeply disappointed to learn that Rolls Royce has announced such a large number of possible redundancies. This news will come as a devastating blow to the 700 workers, their families and the wider local economy.

“The Scottish and U.K. Governments must do everything in their power to support these employees – and so many others in a similar position – at what will be an incredibly worrying, uncertain time for them.

“A cross party task force to look at the aviation industry and their supply chain, in particular Rolls Royce would be a good starting point but swift intervention to save as many jobs as possible is essential.

“We are only just starting to understand the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis and long term support will be required for the months and years to come.”