Friday 29 March 2024
 5.7°C   SSE Gentle Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Transport / SNP candidate urges HIAL to think about remote working

SNP candidate Tom Wills.

THE LOCAL SNP candidate for forthcoming Scottish Parliament election has urged government-owned Highland and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) to be serious about relocating jobs based at its headquarters to island communities impacted by the move to centralise air traffic control services to a remote tower in Inverness.

Tom Wills said while accepting that change was coming anyway he was determined to see the project that would see the loss of 17 full-time equivalent jobs at Sumburgh Airport be modified to “protect local jobs”.

“The report does lay bare that there is a potential for much greater proportionate effect in Shetland than in some of the other communities, and as someone who is putting himself forward to become Shetland’s representative it is untenable for me to support this project in its current form,” he said.

HIAL chair Lorna Jack said on Friday that the airport operator had taken on board the recommendation from an islands impact assessment to work harder and to do more to mitigate against those job losses.

She said that there would be no reason not to relocate some of the office jobs at HIAL’s headquarter in Inverness to island communities.

“People’s perspective on home working has changed over recent months,” the SNP candidate said.

Wills, who works as a marine energy engineer for Nova Innovation, said the company’s tidal energy array in Bluemull Sound was controlled remotely from Edinburgh.

“So, I think, perhaps, when these plans [the relocation of the air traffic control service] were first developed we had a different perspective as to remote working, so I would urge HIAL to look closely what we all can do to keep jobs in Shetland,” he said.

Wills’ main rival in the May election, current Lib Dem MSP Beatrice Wishart, has strongly criticised HIAL’s plans. Politicians from other parties such as the Conservatives, Labour and the Greens have also raised concerns.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.