By Dave Lord

PERTHSHIRE POLITICIANS yesterday held “useful and frank” discussions with Grampian Country Foods following the announcement almost 100 jobs are likely to be lost at the firm’s Coupar Angus factory.

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart still hopes enforced redundancies can be avoided.

The chicken processing plant is one of Perthshire’s largest employers and news of the job cuts in its portioning department brought dismay.

Mr Wishart yesterday met senior staff in Coupar Angus.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to discuss the concerns which have been raised this week about the future of the chicken portioning operations at the factory,” the MP said.

“We were informed that there is to be a consultation period over the closure of these operations and I understand that the Unite union are fully engaged with this process.

“We were assured that Grampian Country Foods are working to keep job losses at a minimum and that those losing their jobs will be accommodated within existing operations.

“There was also a discussion about the future possibility of further development at this site and I hope that this can progress.”

North Tayside MSP John Swinney, who was also involved in yesterday’s round-the-table talks, said, “We had a very useful and frank discussion with the management of Grampian Country Foods over this week’s announcement of job losses.

“It gave us an opportunity to understand the underlying issues concerning the decision.

“The difficulties and challenges faced by the poultry industry were explained to us, including the increasing costs of grain and poultry feed and a competitive market.”

Mr Swinney said locals can at least be confident that no further job losses are imminent.

He added, “It was reassuring to hear that Grampian Country Foods are committed to operations at the Coupar Angus site.”