Parliamentarians' bitter disappointment over Inverurie paper mill closure

2.45.00pm GMT Tue 17th Feb 2009

Liberal Democrat Parliamentarians today expressed great disappointment over the news that International Paper has confirmed its intention to close the mill following a three month consultation.

Malcolm Bruce MP, Sir Robert Smith MP and Alison McInnes MSP who have been in close touch with management and the unions since the consultation was announced told of their regret over the decision.

Mr Bruce, the MP for Gordon said:

Malcolm has expressed his disappointment over the news that International Paper has confirmed its intention to close the Inverurie mill

"While we hope in the longer term that there will be a strategic re-development of the site which will see job creation on a greater scale than the current mill, the immediate priority is to provide support to those people in the mill who are likely to face unemployment and to their families.

"This news will also impact on supply companies and contractors and support should be made available to them too.

"Potentially the closure could double unemployment across Gordon and more than double it in the Inverurie area but these are highly skilled people and they must be given all the help possible to find new jobs.

"Public and private recruitment and training agencies are being brought into the mill and I hope they will provide practical support. Naturally people will be anxious and face uncertainty and I would urge any of my constituents to contact me with any specific concerns they might have. "

Sir Robert MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine added:

"A lot of employees and supply companies are based in my constituency and I recognise that this couldn't have come at a worse time given the state of the national economy.

"Many people working in the mill have given a lifetime to it and whilst they have good skills, it is going to be a real wrench to lose their way of life. It is crucial they receive a high degree of support in marketing their skills."

Alison McInnes, MSP for North East Scotland said:

"This is very disappointing. It will be a hammer blow to hundreds of local families who have worked at the mill for many years.

"There has been a desperate local fight to keep the paper mill open and today's news will be a real blow not only to those who will lose their jobs, but also to the local economy.

"We now need to rally around the employees to support them. The company needs to go the extra mile to help its loyal employees find new work.

"We also need to work together to present Inverurie as a positive place to do business."

ENDS