Union call over JVC jobs losses

Some affected workers make circuit boards at the East Kilbride plant

A trade union has urged electronics giant JVC to rethink plans to axe staff at its East Kilbride plant.

The firm plans to sack 99 circuit board workers and warehouse staff and import cheap boards from Thailand.

The jobs move will affect almost one-in-five workers at the College Milton site in East Kilbride where there are now 480 staff.

The union Unite (T&G Scotland section) criticised the decision and called for further talks.

A 30-day consultation has now started on the job losses.

Derek Ormston, Unite regional industrial organiser, said: "Clearly, the loss of the jobs at JVC and the continued uncertainty regarding the plant is extremely disappointing.

'Sustained growth'

"So is the decision to sack 99 workers which will result in far shorter period of consultation with the workforce.

"We are asking, once again, that the company enter into meaningful dialogue with Unite to secure the long-term viability of the plant and a strong manufacturing base in East Kilbride.

"While our manufacturing sector may be showing sustained growth it is coming on the back of thousands of workers being made redundant."