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Silence over ‘vote No or lose your job’ claim


By Will Clark

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BOSSES at Dounreay have refused to answer claims that they have tried to influence their staff on how they should vote in tomorrow’s independence referendum.

Far north MSP Rob Gibson says he has been approached by workers at the DSRL site as well as at the neighbouring MoD base at Vulcan who say they have been told by management to vote No or face losing their jobs.

The claim comes as voters prepare to go to the polls to decide whether Scotland should remain part of the UK or go it alone as an independent country.

Mr Gibson yesterday said he was shocked to learn from several young workers that they had been told by their bosses at both Dounreay and Vulcan, which is operated by Rolls-Royce, to vote No.

He said whatever the result on Friday, the decommissioning of both sites will be completed as scheduled and the county can look forward to a bright future in the renewables sector.

"All decommissioning jobs are subject to binding UK contracts. DSRL and Rolls-Royce have agreed work with the UK government and that will be completed and paid for by the UK government," he said.

"I am shocked with what young workers and apprentices have told me and other Yes supporters."

Mr Gibson said the workers’ fears of losing their jobs are unfounded.

"It is true that Vulcan under Rolls-Royce has been coy about its plans for the future," he said.

"What is clear is the UK and Rolls-Royce agreements about decommissioning are legacy issues for the UK to pay for and complete.

"I can well understand why voters can be fearful about their jobs.

"Thursday’s vote is about a fairer, successful future for Caithness and the whole of Scotland.

"We are a wealthier country than France and Japan. We are wealthier than the UK itself. Decommissioning jobs will be completed and marine renewables will provide the wealth for a new dawn in the county’s economy."

DSRL yesterday provided a statement but then retracted it, claiming it did not wish to comment on Mr Gibson’s claims.

The Caithness Courier was meanwhile unable to contact anyone at Vulcan.

One of the main concerns workers at Dounreay have had with the independence debate is the future of the UKAEA national pensions scheme, which is run from an office in Thurso. Some fear that if Scotland went it alone, their pensions would be put at risk.

But Mr Gibson maintains that there is no threat to the scheme.

"There are people who are employees of the UKAEA who live in every country in the world who all get their pensions," he said.

"Everyone gets their pensions from the place they put their money in.

"The Scottish Government obviously has to deal with the old age pension issue, but as far as company pensions are concerned, these continue wherever you live.

"Therefore nobody will lose out, you will gain your pension for the amount of work you have done.

"The UK government has to pay these pensions in England, there is no reason why it wouldn’t pay it to people in Scotland."


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