Redundant workers at Ramage find jobs

May 15 2008 By George Topp

CLYDESDALE'S two leading politicians have been holding talks over the future of redundant staff of Ramage Distribution.

The Glespin haulage company went into administration last month, with the loss of hundreds of jobs.

Clydesdale’s MP and MSP, David Mundell and Karen Gillon, held talks with representatives of JobCentre Plus, the Scottish skills agency and South Lanarkshire Council, earlier this month to review the impact of the redundancies at Ramage Distribution.

The politicians were concerned that the substantial job losses might have a serious impact on employment in the Douglas Valley.

After their meeting, Mr Mundell and Ms Gillon said they were pleased to learn it would appear that, at this time, there are only four people from the original group made redundant who were still looking for work.

Mr Mundell said: “It would appear there are good job prospects, particularly for drivers, and while clearly that doesn’t soften the blow of the redundancies and doesn’t increase the size of the redundancy payments, this is good news.

“We wanted to make sure that the same help and support is available to everyone and we will be monitoring the situation.

“There are about 40 people still working on the site. We are disappointed to learn that there is little prospect of the business being taken over on the current site as we had hoped, although warehousing is carrying on at the site at the moment.”

The MP added: “However, what the Ramage situation did was focus attention again on the difficult specific economic circumstances of the Douglas Valley. I am looking to meet South Lanarkshire Council, along with Karen Gillon, to be sure that there is a council strategy in place for regeneration in the area.”

MSP Karen Gillon added: “I was very encouraged, following our meeting with the PACE team, to learn that so many people had already found work and the direct impact on these individuals has been lessened.

“However, it does not diminish the fact we have lost a major employer to the area and the impact from that needs to be recognised.

“I am clear the people in Clydesdale in the Douglas Valley are skilled, motivated people and there are opportunities for other employers to come into this area and realise the potential of the people who live here.

“I want to see a joined up approach between South Lanarkshire Council and the Scottish Government to ensure a clear strategy is in place to attract employers to the area, develop the skills of local people, and ensure the long-term economic future of the area.

“There are many unanswered questions flowing from the closure of Ramage Distributions that still require to be answered.”