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OEM to lose half of its employees in Scotland amid business restructuring.
BBC News reports that OKI Electric is to reduce its staff levels at its plant in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire from 350 to approximately 175 by the end of financial year 2014, as the company undergoes “essential” global restructuring.
According to a statement from OKI Europe, the company acknowledged that the job reductions would be a “significant blow” to its staff in the area, but that the restructuring was “essential” so that it can remain competitive and profitable.
OKI said: “We are aware this will be a significant blow to our staff and to the local community in Cumbernauld and as we enter into a period of consultation, our priority is to support affected employees whilst we go through this difficult process therefore no further details can be provided at this time.”
The North Lanarkshire plant has been in operation since 1987, according to Ayrshire Post, with its peak years seeing up to 500 people being employed.
Jamie Hepburn, SNP MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, said that the cuts seemed “out of proportion” when compared with other staff reductions within company, commenting: “The reported 175 redundancies represents 50 percent of the workforce at the OKI plant in Cumbernauld. This is a serious blow for employment in the area. My thoughts go out to every one of those affected and their families. This is news nobody wants to hear.”
Hepburn added that he has “attempted to make contact with the management at OKI Cumbernauld” to discuss the job cuts, and “also hope[s] to raise this in Parliament next week”.
Gregg McClymont, local Labour MP, also pledged to support those affected by the cuts: “This will clearly be a devastating blow to the workforce and their families. Therefore it is vital that we provide them with all the necessary assistance they’ll need to find alternative employment and access training.
“I will be meeting with OKI management to discuss their decision and to ask for reassurances that they’ll do all they can to assist the workers in this stressful time.”