Tech firm offers lifeline to staff threatened with redundancy at LifeScan in Inverness
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A medical technology firm in Inverness is offering new roles to city workers who may be facing redundancy.
LifeScan, the largest private employer in the Highlands, recently revealed that it was to begin a consultancy process with a view to cutting jobs at its Beechwood Industrial Estate plant.
The business, which manufactures diabetes testing kits, said the move was necessary in the face of pressures in the medical sector which had been amplified by the Covid-19 crisis.
Reports suggest that around 50 of LifeScan's 1000 Inverness jobs may be at risk.
However, fellow city firm ODx has announced the need to fill 60 skilled roles at its new Inverness Campus base.
ODx chief executive and chairman Giles Hamilton believes these jobs, which include assembly technicians, laboratory, clinical and office staff, would be a natural match for LifeScan employees who have a similar set of skills.
“While this is extremely sad news, we understand it is the result of market challenges facing LifeScan," he said.
“We know that workers leaving LifeScan will have significant skills that could be a great asset to ODx.
"With our recent commitment to create up to 60 jobs immediately, ODx is guaranteeing all LifeScan personnel being made redundant an interview.
"These interviews will be for roles currently on offer and future opportunities. We will also host interview skills training for them to attend.
“We will do all that we can to assist those employees affected by this decision and continue to support the Highland life sciences sector and communities in the Highlands, Islands and Moray.”
ODx, which began operating in Inverness a year ago following a £1.75 million investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, is developing and commercialising a test that helps detect antibiotic sensitivity in the bacteria that causes urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other infections.
This work has taken on more urgency since the start of the coronavirus pandemic as many people suffering from Covid-19 die as a result of complications arising from antibiotic resistant infections.
Related article: Highlands' biggest private employer to shed jobs
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