Pringle plant axe talks arranged

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Finance Secretary John Swinney is to hold talks with Pringle of Scotland over plans which could see it cease manufacturing in the Scottish Borders.

The famous knitwear firm confirmed its proposals on Monday which would see 80 jobs lost at its Hawick plant.

Mr Swinney hopes to hear the reasons for the move and find out if the Scottish Government can offer any help which could reverse the plans.

The visit comes after union leaders called for political intervention.

Pringle's association with Hawick goes back to 1815, when the firm was founded.

It is ironic that this will see Pringle of Scotland trade on the back of the brand by cynically moving production and ready-to-wear fashion brands offshore to lower wage economies Harry DonaldsonGMB Scotland

Its proposals would see manufacturing come to an end in the town and leave 30 staff in its head office and sales department.

GMB Scotland regional secretary Harry Donaldson said the move would have a "major impact" on a fragile rural economy.

The company has blamed the move on the changing market which it described as "extremely competitive".

Mr Donaldson said the announcement was a "chilling and bitter blow" to the area.

"These proposals would see the end of manufacturing of quality knitwear in Hawick and a loss of highly skilled workers on whom this company rely to create a global brand," he said.

"It is ironic that this will see Pringle of Scotland trade on the back of the brand by cynically moving production and ready-to-wear fashion brands offshore to lower wage economies."

Mr Donaldson said it was vital that union and community leaders had their say before the plans went ahead.

A Scottish Government spokesman confirmed Mr Swinney would be visiting the Borders to hold talks with Pringle on Wednesday afternoon.

He said he hoped to hear what assistance the government, Scottish Enterprise or Scottish Development International could offer for the company and its employees.