UP to 60 jobs could be at risk at a Borders factory, with MP John Lamont describing the reports as “very concerning".

Plexus is reportedly planning to reduce its workforce at its manufacturing site at Pinnaclehill Industrial Estate, Kelso.

John Lamont, Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, said: “This comes as very concerning news for the town with approximately 60 jobs at risk.

“I will be contacting management, as well as Scottish Borders Council and South of Scotland Enterprise to ensure support is in place for those at risk of redundancy.

“I am also happy to provide support in any way I can to anyone who is at risk of losing their job during this difficult period.”

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At the start of the pandemic last year, Plexus announced that it would be helping the NHS in the battle against COVID-19 by producing ventilators at the Kelso site.

“They showed their innovation during this pandemic by producing ventilators for our NHS at very short notice, helping to save lives across the country,” said Mr Lamont.

“Plexus is a state-of-the-art manufacturer providing high quality jobs. I have visited them on several occasions in Kelso to see their plant first hand.”

Meanwhile, Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton, also of the Conservatives, said: “This is concerning news for Kelso, with the loss of 60 jobs, at what is already a challenging time with unemployment rising in the Borders.

“I am in contact with SBC, the South of Scotland Enterprise and the Scottish Government to establish what action can be taken through the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) programme."

The Conservative representative for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire added: “If you are affected by the redundancies at Plexus, my door is open, please contact me at Rachael.hamilton.msp@parliament.scot".

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The issue of rising unemployment in the region was addressed by Scottish Borders Council at a recent meeting of its executive committee.

Figures show that unemployment has rocketed across the Borders during the past year, with the number of people out of work described as “sobering” and “alarming” by councillors.

See the unemployment figures for the region here.

Plexus has been approached for comment.