THE Scottish Government has been accused of ‘giving up the fight’ to keep the 450 roles at Greenock’s EE call centre within Inverclyde by a Scottish Labour MSP.

Paul O’Kane has claimed that official letters he has obtained through Freedom of Information laws show that the Scottish Government was ‘ultimately resigned’ to the huge hub being relocated to Glasgow.

The correspondence between Scottish Government minister Gillian Martin and BT's head of nations and regions, Nick Speed, relates to the bombshel exit plans - which were revealed at the start of February.

In a letter written to Mr Speed on March 14, Ms Martin asked if the BT Group could engage with the Inverclyde Taskforce over ways to reverse the decision to relocate staff.

She also asked if the group would consider a Communication Workers Union (CWU) proposal to maintain a site in Greenock by onshoring roles BT currently fills overseas.

Ms Martin stated in her letter: “Whilst I am disappointed with the decision and the impact it will inevitably have on the Inverclyde region, I welcome your commitment to maintaining a presence in Scotland."

Mr Speed replied that he didn’t believe the suggestion of onshoring jobs was reasonable and added that the firm didn’t think it was appropriate to have conversations with the Inverclyde Task Force about retaining roles in Greenock.

Ms Martin later wrote to Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe to inform him that BT had stood by their decision to relocate to Glasgow.

The government minister states in her reply that the Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy Mairi McAllan was 'fully aware and supportive' of her dialogue with BT Group.

MSP Mr O’Kane says that the letters show that keeping the jobs in Inverclyde was not the main focus of the government’s efforts.

He added: “The SNP has added to its record of failing to stand up for Inverclyde’s workers when it matters.

“Two months ago Stuart McMillan and Ronnie Cowan were waving the white flag, telling everyone that retaining the centre was a lost cause.

“Now these letters reflect a Government that was ultimately resigned to Inverclyde losing its EE contact centre.

“Gillian Martin's sentiment that at least EE is staying in Scotland shows that Inverclyde’s local economy was never the priority.

“This is yet another instance of the Scottish Government talking about being strong and standing up for the local community, but in reality they have given up the fight for local jobs and a huge asset is leaving Inverclyde”.

In response to Mr O'Kane's comments, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: 

“It is disappointing that BT is proceeding with plans to relocate its Greenock contact centre.

“Ministers have met management and written to the Chief Executive of BT to strongly urge the company to reconsider its position. That remains the Scottish Government’s ask.

“The priority of the Scottish Government is the staff affected by this announcement. Support will be provided through an initiative for responding to redundancy situations, the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment.

“The Scottish Government and its agencies invest in Inverclyde and are committed to working with Inverclyde Council to stimulate economic growth in the area.”