A WEST of Scotland MSP is calling for a task force to be created in a bid to save jobs in Ayrshire.

Labour politician Katy Clark made the comments following a meeting with the administrators appointed to advise following the collapse of the fashion retailer.

She says that action now must be taken to prevent the potential job loss, and loss of livelihood for staff in these stores across the region.

She said: “It is clear from discussions with administrators that M&Co remains in a seriously precarious position.

“However, I have made clear I intend to fight to protect the livelihood of the workers at stores across the West of Scotland and hope to meet store management in the days to come.

“There is already a dearth of well-paid jobs and opportunities in this area. That is why I am calling on the Scottish Government to engage UK Government, the relevant trade unions and the business itself and set up a task force with the explicit purpose of protecting these jobs.

“Protecting these workers’ livelihoods should be at the top of ministers’ agenda as the cost of living crisis intensifies.”

The Scottish retailer M&Co, which has Ayrshire branches in Ayr, Irvine, Saltcoats, Troon and Largs were forced to call in administrators back in December.

The company, which was founded in Paisley in 1961, employs more than 1900 staff across the UK.

Though this is not the first time M&Co has entered administration - with the company found in a similar position back in August of 2020.

On that occasion jobs were saved following a financial restructuring exercise.