McAlpine calls on Young’s to put workforce first as Pinneys prepares to close

MSP Joan McAlpine has called on Young’s bosses to ensure Pinneys of Annan workers are given every opportunity to find alternative employment.

The Local MSP wrote to the company’s HR director Dominic Kerrigan, after it emerged that some workers at the Pinneys site were prevented from attending a recent jobs fayre because they were unable to get time away from work.

Ms McAlpine – who has campaigned against the closure of the Annan factory since Young’s announced their decision to close it – spoke to constituents in Annan during constituency surgeries who told her they were unable to attend the jobs fayre.

Commenting, she said:

“It’s very worrying that Pinneys workers have been unable to attend the jobs fayre – and I am keen to get to the bottom of why this was the case.

“I attended with the Rural Economy secretary Mr Ewing and was very pleased with the level of participation from companies with a number of vacancies – who are keen to help out the workers in Annan. I have passed on details of those companies to any worker who has approached me, and my office will be happy to provide that information to anyone else who was unable to attend.

“I have written to Young’s head of HR to ask for clarification about why some people were unable to attend the jobs fayre and ask what assurances he can give me that Young’s will put measures in place to help all workers to take advantage of opportunities to secure alternative employment.