Stevenson Seeks Government Support for Young's Workers

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, asked for support from the Scottish Government today (Thursday), for workers at Young’s Seafood in Fraserburgh who face the threat of redundancy.

© Young's Seafood Limited 2015

Mr Stevenson asked the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for reassurance that every effort would be made to mitigate the effect of potential job losses in Fraserburgh, following the announcement from Young’s on Tuesday that they had lost what is thought to be the biggest fish processing contract in the UK with Sainsbury’s.

Ms Sturgeon said:

“I share the MSP’s concern about the recent developments in Young’s Seafood and the potential impact this might have on employers and their families in the surrounding areas. The Minister for Business and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs have and continue to offer support to the company.

“Scottish Enterprise has also been in contact with the company to support the business, to discuss what can be done and minimise any negative impact on jobs. In the event of job losses we have made the offer of support through PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment). I would like to reassure the MSP that the government will be doing everything within its power to help the company through this difficult time.”

Mr Stevenson added that he had spoken to the Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council who would also be working to mitigate the effects of the announcement, and he welcomed the response of Government support.

Union bosses fear Young’s Seafood, which has a plant in Fraserburgh, could lose around 300 staff nationwide following the end of its deal to supply smoked salmon to Sainsbury’s.