Nicola Sturgeon has said the “right support” will be provided to workers at risk from the proposed closure of Muller’s Aberdeen distribution depot.
The first minister confirmed the Scottish Government’s specialist team that supports people facing redundancy would look at the plans, which have jeopardised 50 jobs at the company.
At First Minister’s Questions, Ms Sturgeon said the government’s PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) had offered its services to the firm.
Last month, it was announced Muller had launched a 30-day consultation into the proposed closure of its Aberdeen distribution, garage, tanker and retail operations.
It confirmed it planned to relocate these operations to existing sites in central Scotland, which are close to its customers’ regional distribution centres.
Declining consumption of fresh milk as cited as being among the factors blamed for the planned closure.
The risk to jobs was raised at Holyrood by Maureen Watt, SNP MSP for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine.
Ms Sturgeon said the government would keep Ms Watt posted on discussions between ministers, PACE and Muller.
She added: “First and foremost, we always try to avert and avoid redundancies but where that is not possible for whatever reason we want to make sure the right support is available for affected workers,”.
The first minister acknowledged that the plans would be “of significant concern” to Ms Watt’s constituents.