Commenting on reports that Berry BPI is to close its Greenock manufacturing facility with the potential loss of up to 65 jobs, Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said:

“This is extremely disappointing news and I’m sure deeply worrying for the workforce whose jobs are reportedly now at risk.

“I would urge the company to rethink its decision to close the manufacturing unit and see the value in having such a skilled and dedicated workforce.

“Officers will be engaging directly with the company to see if there is anything we, as a council, can do to prevent the closure of the manufacturing facility and, crucially, save as many of the 65 jobs that could be on the line as possible.

“We will also reach out to the government to see what support they could potentially offer and that affected staff are properly supported through the partnership action for continuing employment (PACE) scheme alongside the council’s own business support services.”