Talks needed over Heriot Watt job threat

Jim Hume, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for South Scotland, is seeking urgent talks with Heriot-Watt management after news of possible job losses within its textiles department.

The MSP is being joined in his calls by Scottish Liberal Democrat council candidate for Galashiels and District, Rick Kenney.

Mr Hume said:

"The development of fashion and textiles is so important for the Borders and news of these possible job losses is a worrying blow to the employees and the sector in the Borders as a whole.

"Investing in textiles skills is crucial in creating a basis on which the Borders can compete in the European market where skills investment is intensive.

"I'm currently seeking urgent talks with management to press the case for no job losses."

Rick Kenney added:

"Having the Heriot-Watt campus in Galashiels is a huge boon for the town not just because of the local employment it provides, but because it's helped create a vital learning hub particularly for a key sector for our area.

"Every effort must be made to ensure textiles development is a key focus for Gala and the whole of the Borders and I will be trying to convince Heriot-Watt managment to review their plans and ditch the option of job losses."