Demise of Skillfast UK will leave Borders textiles ‘vulnerable’

12.45.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 15th Jul 2009

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has spoken of his concern for the textiles and fashion sector following news that Skillfast UK will not be re-issued with a licence in March 2010 when its current licence expires.

Skillfast UK is the agency charged with improving skills in the fashion and textiles industry and its unsuccessful appeal against the removal of its licence means that it will miss out on government funding.

Jim Hume MSP said:

“This is disappointing and worrying news for those companies who have been assisted by Skillfast UK.

“If the organisation goes, there will be no singe body responsible for pulling together the skills requirements and there will be no means of co-ordinating funding for the delivery of any training which leaves the industry at a serious competitive disadvantage. This is especially so because Spain and Italy for example are investing heavily in skills to ensure that their industry is at the forefront of any business coming out of the recession.

“I believe that the move will leave the industry in an exceptionally vulnerable position and am seeking an urgent meeting with Scottish Government Ministers.”

Commenting, Michael Moore, Member of Parliament for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, said:

“When I met with the UK textiles Minister earlier this week, we discussed the steps that need to be taken if the future of the textiles industry in Scotland is to be secured. It is disappointing so soon after this meeting to learn that the Government has chosen to withdraw their support for Skillfast UK.

“Improving the skills of workers in the sector is essential for the long-term competitiveness of the Borders textiles industry, and I am urging Ministers to reconsider this decision.”