THE first Hebrides range task force assembled in Benbecula this morning (Wednesday) to discuss MoD proposals to slash the Qinetiq workforce in the Uists by more than half - threatening 125 jobs.
Senior executives from HIE and CnES were joined by representatives of the Scottish Government, Skills Training Scotland, trade unions, community landlords Storas Uibhist, Lochboisdale community council and three Uist councillors.
The meeting unanim
ously elected CnES leader Angus Campbell to chair the Taskforce.
Issues concerning the 30 day consultation period granted by MoD to discuss the proposals were raised immediately.
HIE chairman Willy Roe said the meeting needed to be aware of two kinds of consultation required.
He said: "Common sense suggests that the consultation period needs to be long enough for people to consider and make their response.
"Consultation for anything of this scale and complexity needs to be longer.
"Where more than 100 employees are to be made redundant in the private sector, the law requires a consultation period of 90 days."
Uist councillor Peter Carlin said he had detected a softening in the MoD's attitude to the consultation period in the last few days.
He said: "The MoD has had a fantastic relationship with the people of the Uists for 50 years. A 30-day consultation period is harsh."
It is expected that CnES leader Angus Campbell will issue a statement following this afternoon's session later today.
