The leader of Highland Council has described more than 100 possible job losses in the Inverness area as a “serious blow to our already fragile economy”.
Lifescan, the north’s largest private employer, announced earlier this week that 80 jobs could go at its plant in the city.
Meanwhile Roy Homes and Roy Homes Timber Frames have also announced 17 job losses after entering administration – while manufacturing firm Hambleside Banelaw has announced plans to close its Dalcross plant with the loss of 30 staff.
Council leader Margaret Davidson has said she will seek support to try and protect jobs.
She said: “The potential loss of so many jobs in the Highlands is extremely worrying and would be a serious blow to our already fragile economy. I am particularly concerned about the affected employees and their families in such a worrying time.”
“I am very well aware of the very difficult financial times we are all dealing with and the impact of necessary budget cuts on jobs in every sector, including local government.
“The Highlands are far less able than bigger urban areas in the UK to withstand the serious impact of significant job losses in an already fragile area.
“These job losses will have a knock-on effect on other industry and economic confidence as well as the devastating consequences of uncertainty and unemployment on people’s lives.”
Mrs Davidson and council chief executive Steve Barron have organised a meeting with life sciences firm Lifescan to discuss the situation there.
The company is owned by American pharmaceutical giant Johnston and Johnston and employs more than 1,000 people in Inverness, manufacturing blood glucose monitoring equipment.
The company said the proposed Inverness job losses were the result of declining sales and profits due to “adverse market conditions”.
Mrs Davidson added: “I will be writing today to Fergus Ewing MSP to express the council’s concerns and to find out what government support can be given to affected employees and to protect and enhance the economic future of the Highlands.”
