A  task  force set up to assist personnel facing redundancy during the drawdown of RAF Kinloss and RAF Lossiemouth, is confident that their skills will meet a ready demand within the local economy.

Last week another 78 redundancies were announced as part of the process announced in April 2005 during which both bases will lose a total of 935 posts.

HIE Moray set up an RAF Task Force project team in January 2006 to mitigate the impact of the redundancies through a broad range of projects planned under the Moray 2020 Strategy.

One of the themes detailed in Moray 2020 relates to the retention of RAF leavers in Moray. A high proportion of those facing redundancy want to stay in the area and offer local businesses a wide range of skills and experience.  Just over half of those leaving the base are skilled in aircraft engineering trades, 26 per cent have skills in plant fitting, aircraft painting and finishing, and 16 per cent work in administrative and catering functions.

Mhairi Begg RAF Task Force Team Leader said: "There are 78 highly trained and skilled individuals leaving the RAF many of whom want to stay and work in Moray. This presents us with a real opportunity to attract skilled and motivated people to set up new businesses here or contribute their skills to the further success of existing companies. We are working closely with the RAF to ensure that this programme of redundancies provides positive outcomes."

Many of those leaving will be available for employment from Spring 2007 whilst a small number will be retained until the autumn. 

HIE Moray has been promoting its services to RAF leavers including business start-up advice, training opportunities and careers planning advice. It has also launched a new 'about Moray' website which provides information on jobs and housing in Moray.