Public sector agencies in Lochaber have joined forces to guarantee an offer of practical assistance to any employee facing redundancy from the Arjo Wiggins paper mill in Corpach.

Representatives of The Highland Council, Lochaber Enterprise and Jobcentre Plus met this morning [Monday 19 May] and agreed to pool their resources to ensure anyone made redundant from the mill will be able to receive help to find new employment or a suitable training opportunity.

Charlotte Wright, acting chief executive of Lochaber Enterprise said this joined-up approach - known as the PACE initiative - was a proven way of tackling the impact of sudden, large-scale redundancies.

"Although we have yet to hear an official announcement from the company themselves, it seems clear from local knowledge and reports which appeared in the media at the weekend that a redundancy programme is underway at Arjo Wiggins," said Mrs Wright.

"It's unusual for the PACE initiative to be implemented before we have official confirmation of job losses, but clearly it would not be in the best interests of the employees for us to wait on this occasion.  Immediate action was required and that's why we held our meeting this morning."

John Hutchison, Lochaber Area Manager of The Highland Council said:  "The partners have agreed to press Arjo Wiggins for an early meeting, both to confirm their future plans and enable us to contact all those employees who could benefit from our assistance.   We are also keen to learn the view of the Trade Unions on the situation, with a view to an early discussion with the partners."