Angus MSP Graeme Dey and MP Mike Weir today said they are “pursuing all avenues” to assist almost 90 workers who have lost their jobs.
The county was dealt a devastating jobs blow with the collapse of historic Arbroath heavy engineering firm John M Henderson on Friday.
Joint administrators Blair Nimmo and Geoff Jacobs of KPMG have been appointed to handle the company’s affairs and six of the 94-strong workforce have been retained on an interim basis to help in the winding up process.
Mr Dey said it was “terrible news” and his heart goes out to the near 100 employees affected.
He said: “Mike and I are seeking a meeting with the joint administrators to find out whether there is any prospect of the firm being sold as a going concern, but the most immediate priority for ourselves, as the local parliamentarians, is ensuring maximum assistance and support is provided the affected employees at this very trying time.
“To that end we’ve been in contact with Minister Fergus Ewing and Cabinet Secretary for Youth Employment Angela Constance asking that the Scottish Government do all they can to help.
“We’ve also been in dialogue with the Angus Training Group who, to their credit, are pulling out all the stops to assist the 13 apprentices involved.”
The town woke up to the grim headline that 88 staff are being made redundant after workers were given the bad news at a meeting at the Kirkton Industrial Estate plant on Friday afternoon.
Mr Weir said: “The news came as a dreadful shock, especially since the company had appeared to be doing so well. Our thoughts are with the workforce and their families at this difficult time.
“The loss of so many good jobs is also a huge blow to the local, economy.
“It is imperative that all possible measures are taken to help those affected and, particularly those youngsters who were serving apprenticeships with the firm.”
Arbroath councillor Donald Morrison said: “This loss of so many skilled jobs is a huge blow to Arbroath and my thoughts are with the workforce.”
Fellow town councillor Martyn Geddes said: “It’s extremely sad for the workforce and my thoughts are with them.
“I hope they are able to quickly get back into work.
“It’s a shame when any jobs go, especially in the engineering sector which has been struggling.”
Managing director Gary McCombie directed our enquiries to KPMG and said he would not comment further on the situation.