South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has condemned the news that P&O is cutting more 1,100 jobs, while National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has also confirmed staff are at risk of redundancy.

P&O Ferries, which operates services between Cairnryan and Larne in Northern Ireland, has said the downturn in business because of coronavirus has left it with no choice but to reduce costs.

Jobs are at risk across all levels of the business which is owned by Dubai-based DP World.

NTS operates Threave Garden and Estate near Castle Douglas, as well as Broughton House and Gardens in Kirkcudbright. It has said 429 staff are at risk of redundancy across Scotland and that the charity’s very future is in doubt.

NTS said its income had been virtually eradicated during the Covid-19 lockdown, a time which is normally its busiest period.

Colin Smyth said: “The announcements from P&O and National Trust for Scotland are deeply worrying for the workforce here in Dumfries and Galloway.

“Job losses are a real blow to the local economy and my thoughts are very much with any staff affected and their families.

“With Covid-19 restrictions still in place, it will be a long road back for companies and charities, and unfortunately we need to brace ourselves for the possibility that there could be more job losses on the way.

“It hammers home again that the economic support from Government is simply not going to scratch the surface of the economic tsunamis which are continuing to hit the region.

“This needs to be a wakeup call to both the Scottish and UK Governments that our area needs action to save jobs now.”