Seven out of 10 workers at the doomed Tullis Russell paper mill have been re-employed, the Scottish Government has revealed.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the Fife Taskforce has supported 288 of the 446 workers back into work, and has helped the entire redundant workforce with education and training.
The news comes during Fife Business Week, which runs until Friday.
Mr Swinney said: “Our aim has always been to work as closely as we are able with colleagues in the public and private sectors to help those communities affected by job losses in Glenrothes and central Fife.
“The fact that seven out of 10 Tullis Russell workers have been re-employed demonstrates not only the effectiveness of the taskforce, but is testament to the skilled workforce of Fife.
“The Scottish Government has supported the taskforce with £6 million and there is still much work to do to ensure this best supports local communities and the wider Fife economy.”
Tullis Russell which was founded in 1809 went into administration in April this year and caused the immediate loss of 325 jobs, with a further 149 retained to complete existing orders.
Senior politicians said key taskforce outcomes around training and re-employment included 396 training requests being made, with 305 arranged.
The allocation of £332,526 training funding and the creation of a Fife Taskforce training database were also cited, as was a jobs fair held in September.
Fife Council leader, Councillor David Ross, said: “We are making progress on this and we are pleased that over half of the Tullis Russell workforce has now been redeployed and that a number of people are also now in training or education.
“The Fife Taskforce is working hard to implement its ongoing plan of action to support workers, the local community and the wider Fife economy.
“Although I am encouraged by what has been achieved to date through the taskforce, there are still significant numbers of workers directly affected by the Tullis Russell and other closures who require our continued support.
“I can reassure all those affected that further assistance will be forthcoming.”