Jardine calls for assurance on jobs in South Queensferry

Christine Jardine, Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson and MP for Edinburgh West, has expressed concern over Progress Rail Services’ announcement that jobs are ‘at risk’ in South Queensferry.

We reported this story yesterday – the Unite union has said jobs cuts are expected to started in November, with a possible 147 jobs at risk, although Progress Rail says it is not yet decided.

In a statement, Progress Rail Services’ statement explains that a Network Rail contract which constituted “the majority of the volume Progress Rail has historically received” from the company is expected to be awarded to an overseas supplier.

Christine Jardine said: “I’m concerned first and foremost about what this will mean for the company and its employees at an incredibly difficult time, but also for the wider Scottish manufacturing industry.

“Progress Rail is Network Rail’s largest supplier of track components, so this will be a huge blow to the company, during a very difficult economic period.

“I hope to speak with representatives of the company soon to see what support can be provided.”