FINANCE Secretary John Swinney was today visiting computer giant Hewlett-Packard's Renfrewshire site following yesterday's announcement of massive job cuts at the Erskine plant.

FINANCE Secretary John Swinney was today visiting computer giant Hewlett-Packard's Renfrewshire site following yesterday's announcement of massive job cuts at the Erskine plant.

More than 700 jobs are to go as the firm moves production to the Czech Republic in a cost-cutting move.

Mr Swinney was due to meet management and staff at the factory as the Scottish Government seeks to minimise the impact of the restructuring plans.

HP bosses announced the proposal yesterday despite an offer to help sustain manufacturing at Erskine.

Of the 710 posts being cut, around 80 are full-time HP employees. The remainder are agency workers.

Staff consultations will begin next month and the transfer of jobs is due to get under way early next year.

Around 600 staff working in customer support, sales and its ordering and supply business will remain at the site.

Those facing redundancy will receive help from the Government's Partnership Action for Continuing Employment scheme. Mr Swinney said: "We were aware that this review was taking place, and Scottish Enterprise made an offer of support to sustain manufacturing in Erskine, but the company had determined on the move to the lower cost base in Eastern Europe.

"The Scottish Government will pursue a two-pronged strategy to deal with this situation.

"With Scottish Enterprise we will continue to work with the company to build its other operations in supply management, customer support, and business group operations.

"And the rapid deployment of the Pace resources will help employees consider alternative options.

"I will be discussing these matters with management and staff here during my visit.

"The transfer from Erskine is not expected until next year, giving us valuable time to assist and mitigate the impact of this substantial manufacturing loss."

The plant, opened in 1987 by Compaq, at one point employed more than 2500 people.

Fears grow plant may close down completely

FEARS are mounting that US computer giant Hewlett Packard may now pull out of Erskine altogether.

Local councillor Jim Harte said the 700 job losses would have a devastating impact on the Renfrewshire town and he wants assurances of the company's longer-term plans.

The Labour councillor said: "This is devastating news and will send shockwaves around Erskine and also Port Glasgow and Greenock.

"At one point every second person you met in Erskine would have been employed at Hewlett Packard but if there are just several hundred workers left after this round of cuts you have to wonder if they will pull out altogether. I will be seeking a meeting with fellow local politicians and bosses at the plant."

Staffing levels have steadily declined since Hewlett Packard took over from Compaq in 2002 with work already being transferred abroad where labour is cheaper.

Councillor Harte added: "We need greater protection for staff and particularly those working for agencies who are very vulnerable at this point."

Erskine has seen much recent investment including the opening of a Morrison's supermarket which has provided local employment and even when major employer the AA pulled out of the town several years ago new business, including a call centre operated by be-Cogent, was secured.

SNP councillor Jim McQuade said: "This is devastating.

"We will do our utmost to gain help for people affected by the job cuts."