PRESS RELEASE
May 5th, 2009

FM responds to MSP call over jobs

The First Minister has responded to calls by Greenock MSP Duncan McNeil to meet with T-Mobile to help minimise the job threat to local call centre workers.

The MSP raised the job threat with the Scottish Government three months ago but was left disappointed by the complacent response by Jim Mather, the Enterprise Minister Jim Mather to get involved.

He raised the issue again with Alex Salmond at First Minister Question's a fortnight ago and is pleased that the First minister has now agreed to meet with T-Mobile bosses.

More than 500 workers who are employed by firm Telecom Service Centres (TSC) are affected by the decision to outsource to the Philippines

Mr McNeil said: "The First Minister's involvement at this critical time for call centre workers in Greenock and indeed Scotland as a whole is welcome.

"A fortnight ago at First Minister Questions, I was able to voice the need to support a major employer like T-Mobile during the current downturn and I am pleased that the First Minister has taken that on board.

"I warned the Scottish Government three months ago about these job losses and was disappointed by the inadequate and ineffectual response from Enterprise Minister Jim Mather at the time, who has sat on his hands throughout this threat.

"While it has taken further job losses in Falkirk before we have seen any action, I am pleased that the First Minister has taken this overdue but positive step."  

ENDS