Jobs to go at Borders fibre firm

A specialist fibre firm is to cut 14 jobs at its plant in the Borders.

Ahlstrom in Chirnside proposed the redundancies just three months after it announced a £19m investment in equipment at the Berwickshire site.

A spokesman for the firm said the strength of the pound had affected lucrative contracts in South America.

The redundancies are currently at the consultation stage and the firm is corresponding with Scottish Enterprise Borders over the issue.

A spokesman for Scottish Enterprise Borders said: "Our priority at this time is to ensure those workers affected by this announcement are able to access the support and training that is available to help them find new employment, as the company have indicated.

"Careers Scotland, as part of a redundancy support team, will be on hand to offer advice and guidance to employees.

"Ahlstrom continues to be a significant and important employer in the region and we shall continue working closely with the company to ensure that this does not adversely affect its operations and future development in the Borders."