Workers made redundant at a Glenrothes factory will receive the full support of Fife Council and the Scottish Government, it has been confirmed.
Employment schemes and additional training will be offered to all 180 members of the Velux workforce, after the company announced on Thursday that it will close its manufacturing arm in the town.
The process which will take place over the next 12 months has been described as “a major blow” and came out of the blue for employees at the window producer, who had been told that their performance was a benchmark for other parts of the company.
However, in an effort to cut logistical costs, the decision to cease manufacturing was taken as part of a pan-European exercise by Velux, a move which has sent shockwaves throughout Fife.
Local MSP Tricia Marwick told The Courier that she has already spoken to Fergus Ewing, who is Scotland’s enterprise minister, and joined forces with the town’s MP, Lindsay Roy, to help those affected.
“I have spoken to the minister and he shares my concern about the loss of 180 manufacturing jobs in Glenrothes,” she said.
“A Pace (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) team will go in and hopefully find other employment for the workforce.
“Myself and Lindsay Roy have been in close contact about this and will meet the Velux staff next week.”
Thursday’s announcement means that Velux will close its manufacturing unit Fife Joinery Manufacturing which employs 180 staff and is located over a number of buildings at the Eastfield Industrial Estate.
A 12-month consultation is now under way with operations at the site expected to cease by next autumn.
However, the window manufacturer, which is synonymous with Glenrothes, will retain a presence in the town with both its UK headquarters and sales team remaining unaffected.
Indeed, Velux also announced plans to create a further 30 sales positions as part of an expansion of its marketing operations in Glenrothes.
Despite this, however, much of the focus will remain on finding new work for those affected by the demise of the company’s manufacturing facility.
David Ross, the leader of Fife Council, said he is “saddened and concerned” by the job losses and added the news is a “major blow” for the local economy.
“Our immediate concern is to support employees affected by this announcement,” he said.
“I have already spoken to the managing director of the company and have been in touch with the GMB union that represents workers at the facility.
“The council’s head of enterprise, planning and employability is hoping to meet the company as soon as is practicable and we will offer as much support as we can.
“Skills Development Scotland have been alerted as the lead on redundancy response through the Pace and council officers will be working closely with Velux, employees, relevant agencies and the Scottish Government to offer guidance and support on redeployment, training, redundancy and to help secure employment.”
Local councillor Ian Sloan added: “It’s a terrible blow, not just for the local area but for Glenrothes and wider Fife. It’s good they are adding sales staff and retaining the headquarters here but Fife Council will do everything it can to help those trying to find new work.”
Picture by George McLuskie