Mothercare has been told to make its workforce a priority after announcing the closure of its Kirkcaldy store by urging customers to grab “amazing bargains”.
The children’s retailer, which has shops in Dundee in Kirkcaldy, is shutting 60 branches across the UK.
Dundee’s Mothercare at Gallagher Retail Park will remain open.
The company broke the news by announcing a huge closing down sale at the Fife Central Retail Park outlet starting on Wednesday.
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No date has been announced for the closure and nobody at Mothercare responded when The Courier contacted the company for further details.
Kirkcaldy SNP MSP David Torrance said the company should be focusing on the welfare of affected workers, rather than touting for trade.
“At the end of the day is it not important to save, or look after, their workforce?” he said.
“I think it should be their priority at this time of year, to make sure they secure further employment.
“It must be worrying going into the New Year not knowing if they are going to get another job or be relocated.”
Up to 900 jobs UK-wide are likely to be lost as a result of the closures.
Labour councillor Neil Crooks, who is the convener of Kirkcaldy area committee, said: “It’s sad because local people work there.
“When a site like that shuts, there are local families behind it who are plagued by unemployment.
“That can’t be a good thing in anybody’s books.”
He added: “I think the trading conditions are too difficult for so many of these big companies, even with free car parking.
“The retail world is changing and it’s really unfortunate that big retailers like Mothercare are having to revise their business ideas.”
Mr Crooks said he was confident the unit at the retail park would not be left vacant.
“It’s likely there will be a replacement business to take up that space in Mothercare’s absence,” he said.
The Mothercare announcement said: “This is a great opportunity for shoppers to get some amazing bargains on last minute Christmas gifts and maternity, baby and toddler essentials.
“Our most popular ranges will sell out quickly so we encourage all customers to come into the store as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”
The retailer announced in June it would be closing 50 underperforming stores as part of its restructuring plans.
The next month it revealed it was putting its Children’s World division into administration.
