Forbes urges H&M to prevent layoffs in Edinburgh

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has called on H&M to reconsider its plans to close an Edinburgh call centre, which could result in significant job losses for hundreds of employees. Internal documents obtained by BBC Scotland News indicate that all staff at the centre are at risk of redundancy, although they may be eligible for alternative roles within the company. Concerns have been raised by employees about the potential outsourcing of jobs overseas. Forbes, who serves as Scotland's economy secretary, met with H&M management to discuss the situation and urged them to explore all possible options to avoid layoffs. A spokesperson for the Scottish government expressed empathy for the affected employees and their families, emphasizing the anxiety surrounding job security during this uncertain time. H&M's proposed timeline includes a collective consultation meeting scheduled for mid-September, followed by individual consultations in October and November, with the office closure planned for the last week of November. The company reassured staff that the decision to close the centre was not a reflection of their performance, acknowledging their contributions over the years. In response to the situation, an H&M spokesperson stated that the company is continually assessing its operations to remain flexible and cost-efficient in light of changing demands. While they are committed to supporting affected employees, further details regarding the number of potential redundancies remain undisclosed.