Fight to save jobs at city firm
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BUSINESS leaders and politicians have promised to do all they can to help after it was announced 80 jobs could go at one of the city’s biggest employers.
LifeScan Scotland is Inverness’s largest private-sector company, with around 1000 staff providing a range of products for diabetes care.
But three years of "adverse market conditions" has prompted its US-based parent firm Johnson & Johnson to carry out a review which places dozens of jobs in jeopardy. LifeScan Scotland, which was created in 2001, could also be sold.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart said: "While I understand the need for Johnson & Johnson to carry out periodic reviews, the loss of any jobs is a concern.
"We must do everything possible to help secure the future of LifeScan and keep its jobs in Inverness."
Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said his thoughts were with the staff likely to be affected, but he was confident that local management would be dealing with the matter in "an appropriate and sensitive manner".
Last August LifeScan announced an £8.7 million investment in research, development and manufacturing capabilities.
This included a £1.85 million grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) which said this week it was getting ready to meet the firm’s bosses.
A HIE spokesman said: "The workforce in Inverness is highly skilled and has made a tremendous contribution to the company’s performance for many years.
"We understand the need for Johnson & Johnson to carry out a strategic review of its global operations. We will be meeting with the group’s global leaders in diabetes when they come to Scotland.
"Our focus will be on supporting LifeScan in Inverness, its potential for future growth and the valuable jobs this can provide."
At a meeting of Highland Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, Stuart Black, director of planning and development, said the local authority wanted to meet with LifeScan as soon as possible to discuss the situation.
"I have been in contact with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and LifeScan to find out more and to see what we can do to assist," he said.
"It is a huge employer in Inverness and across Scotland."
LifeScan Scotland’s average number of employees actually increased for the year which ended January 3, 2016 according to its latest available accounts. Pre-tax profit and turnover were both down for that year, compared to the previous 12 months.
Donna Lorenson, a spokeswoman for Johnson & Johnson, said: "The proposed actions today in Scotland are part of a global business reorganisation that will impact on approximately 350 roles around the world including approximately 80 in Scotland, pending the outcome of the consultation process.
"Evaluations like these help ensure our business can adapt to the changing market environment and meet the needs of customers and patients."
LifeScan Scotland is viewed as the lynchpin of the Highland life sciences sector which last year was estimated to be worth more than £130 million to the regional economy, supporting nearly 1800 full time jobs.
Inverness-based economist Tony Mackay said his main concern was over the possible sale of LifeScan – rather than the 80 jobs, which he hoped could be lost through simply not replacing people who choose to leave.
"They have done an excellent job in Inverness in terms of their own operations and in providing a boost to the sector as a whole," he said.
"If it is sold there is of course no guarantee that the buyer would be as committed to Inverness and the Highlands as they have been."
Inverness MP Drew Hendry wants to work with the Scottish Government to "exhaust all potential avenues to ensure the future of the Inverness business and its employees".
He added: "If the job numbers suggested are confirmed, this will be a very harsh blow to the workforce, their families and to the people of Inverness and the Highlands.
"That there may be such a massive reduction in the number of people employed will impact directly on our communities. Supporting those who now face the prospect of losing their jobs must be our number one priority."
