The First Minister said everything will be tried to prevent job losses at Irvine’s GSK after being questioned on support from Holyrood amid planned redundancies.

Ruth Maguire MSP sought assurances from the First Minister that the Scottish Government will support workers affected by the announcement that around 60 jobs at GSK’s Irvine site were set to be lost.

The chemical and pharmaceutical plant in Irvine announced the redundancies after GSK have planned to stop processing the chemical 6-APA on-site.

Speaking at First Minister’s Questions last Thursday, the MSP for Cunninghame South asked if the Scottish Government would be able to provide area specific support to ensure life science jobs in Ayrshire were preserved.

She said: “At any time this would be bitterly disappointing, but in the current climate will feel even more devastating to those involved.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I’m disappointed to learn the GSK is in consultation with its workforce in Irvine with a view to making a number of redundancies. This will obviously be an anxious time for those affected, particularly during the current situation.

“Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with the company throughout the consultation period to explore all possible options to support the business and workforce.

“Should there be job losses, and we will explore every opportunity to avoid that, we will provide support through the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative through providing skills, development and employability support.”

A GSK spokesperson said: “We have opened consultation with employees and their representatives.”

Ms Maguire added: “I’m glad to know that every possible option will be considered in order to avoid the loss of jobs at the GSK site in Irvine.The life sciences industry is important to North Ayrshire and any job losses will be devastating for the area. I hope that workers will feel assured that they will be supported every step of the way.”