Efforts to help find new jobs for the 230 workers being made redundant from the chicken processing plant in Coupar Angus have been stepped up.
The scale of the job losses was confirmed last week as the period of consultation with the workforce came to an end.
It is anticipated that approximately half of the reduction in the 2 Sisters Food Group workforce will come from voluntary redundancies.
The job losses, which were part of a company restructuring in the face of difficult trading conditions, brings the workforce down to 421 from February 16.
Today an event is being held on the premises in an effort to make the transition into new employment as smooth as possible.
As a number of those involved are from eastern Europe, interpreters will be in attendance.
“Our immediate concern is to assist, wherever possible, those who have been made redundant,” said Councillor Ian Miller, leader of the administration on Perth and Kinross Council.
“I remain concerned at the loss of local jobs and the uncertainty this creates for the rest of the workforce. We are already working closely with the Scottish Government and other partners to try to consolidate the remaining jobs at the plant and I am indebted to John Swinney for taking time out of his busy schedule to press our views to the company.
“The Coupar Angus factory is a major employer in this area and we will now be redoubling our efforts to secure a future for this plant as the company continues its restructuring programme. I am confident that by working together we will succeed.”
The company said it was keen to be involved in the process.
“Individual consultation is under way with the affected workforce,” confirmed a spokesperson.
“2 Sisters is working with PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) to support those who are leaving the company. This includes organising the jobs event and helping people find onward employment, for example by helping with job applications and CV writing.”
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney confirmed he had been working closely with 2 Sisters and pledged the support of the Government in identifying job opportunities for those who lose their jobs.
He said: “The Scottish Government will put in place support to assist the employees affected by the changes with advice and assistance to find alternative employment and to obtain training. I will also be working with other local organisations, including Perth and Kinross Council, to try to secure further economic opportunities for the area to overcome this difficult news.”
PACE is a Scottish Government initiative but is coordinated locally by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and various local partners, including Jobcentre Plus and the council, who have pulled together to see what support they can offer to those facing redundancy.
The information day today will take the form of a drop-in event, where employees from all the factory’s three shifts will have the chance to visit the stands that suit their needs best.
The partners invited to have a stand at the event include Perth College UHI, Citizens Advice Bureau, GrowBiz and Business Gateway.