Published: Tuesday, 9th June, 2009 2:00pm

Firm's job axe pay-off row

An Inverclyde employment rights agency wants an electronics firm to commit to a full redundancy package for axed workers.

Hundreds of people from Inverclyde are set to lose their jobs after Hewlett-Packard announced it is to shed 700 workers from its Erskine site.

The firm plans to close manufacturing operations at the site and transfer work to the Czech Republic.

Inverclyde Advice and Employment Rights Centre is calling on Hewlett-Packard and staff agency Manpower to get together and grant all employees their "basic rights".

Jim McCourt, of the Inverclyde Advice and Employment Rights Centre, said: 'Most of us have faced the worry of redundancy at some point, but for the bulk of the workers being dismissed there will be no redundancy or notice pay on the basis they are employees of an agency.

'Manpower is telling employees, some with more than 10 years service, they do not qualify for these basic redundancy payments because they are on an assignment.

'This means they simply remain on Manpower"s books without pay. Our centre has seen Manpower clearing the decks for this in recent times.

'We call on Hewlett-Packard and Manpower to afford these workers the very basics in decency.

'It is bad enough looking at an uncertain future, but doing it without redundancy pay makes thing much worse. Both of these companies are wealthy international corporations.

'We ask them to help workers and their families through a difficult time. The way to help these workers is to ensure they get basic pay.'

Manpower confirmed a "consolidation" of work will have an impact on staff.

A spokesperson said: 'Manpower employees will be affected when the consolidation completes at the end of 2010.

'We understand this is a difficult time for all concerned and we will be communicating with our staff to answer their questions.

'In addition, an elected representative Manpower employee forum will be appointed by Manpower employees to consult on the changes.'

Workers can contact the Advice and Employment Rights Centre on 01475 888039.