Public sector representatives were meeting the management of Arnotts in Inverness today to discuss plans to assist staff to find new jobs and training courses following the announcement that the department store is to close.

Under the Scottish Executive Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative, a local response team comprising representatives of Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE), The Highland Council and Jobcentreplus was formed when Arnotts announced the closure.
 
INE development manager Susan English, a member of the team, said the aim of  today's meeting was to start the process of assessing what assistance was needed so the response could be tailored to meet the requirements of the staff.

She added: "Given the expansion in the retail sector in Inverness and other industries in the town, we are hopeful we will be able to assist most of those affected to find alternative employment or other opportunities over the coming weeks."