Wendy Seeks Re-Assurance of Support for CIBA Workforce – CIBA SITE VITAL TO FUTURE PAISLEY JOBS

Wendy Alexander, MSP for Paisley North, today raised the BASF /Ciba planned redundancies, and the plant site, in the Scottish Parliament.

Wendy said,

“In my discussions with MD Peter Wormald and colleagues at the plant on Tuesday they made clear that the compulsory redundancies are likely to be delayed until later in 2011 and 2012. They promised full consultation with trade union reps .  It is vital that the BASF/Ciba site is not allowed to fall into disuse and the skills of its workers lost  and all agencies must pull together. I want to ensure the best support possible is offered to those who may be affected by redundancy.”

“But it is also vital that we try and create new economic opportunities on the site to retain jobs of the existing workforce and attract new jobs into Paisley.”
“I asked the First Minister today to publish the study currently underway on the future of the site.”

“Everyone with an interest in the future of Paisley will want to see that important study this summer.”

“One of the exciting ideas put forward is to see a Paisley Innovation Centre established on this site. We know the site has vital economic assets – buildings, laboratories, heat and ice-making facilities all of which could be of interest to other businesses. So I will continue to press the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, and Renfrewshire Council to work together and look at the potential for such a Paisley Innovation Centre that could help retain high quality jobs in the local economy.”  

“I will continue to pressing the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise not just to publish the current study as soon as it is complete—but to develop an action plan to deliver a new vision for the site and jobs for workers.”