A laundry firm crippled by the shutdown of Scotland’s hotel industry has announced the closure of its Perth base, placing more than 80 jobs at risk.
Staff at Fishers’ Fair City plant have been told they face redundancy, as the company struggles with the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.
The firm, which began more than 100 years ago in Aberfeldy, heavily relies on the hospitality and tourism industries.
Bosses said the Perth plant became nonviable after the loss of a major contract with Whitbread, operators of Premier Inn and Hub hotels.
A spokesman said: “Fishers has announced that, very regrettably, it plans to close its Perth laundry in Inveralmond Industrial Estate in the city, and has initiated a 30 day consultation with the 84 staff at the plant,
“They have been informed that they are at risk of redundancy. The Perth laundry is currently mothballed following the introduction of the Coronavirus lockdown.”
He said: “Fishers is particularly focused on the hospitality sector, which has been significantly affected by the Coronavirus lockdown, with the impact likely to be felt for many months.
“As well as Coronavirus impact, Fishers has also been unsuccessful in retaining its largest contract with Whitbread.”
The spokesman added: “Consequently, Fishers has very regrettably decided that we must close our Perth laundry, and service our customer base from our other plants, in order to protect our business and the remaining jobs in the company during the uncertain times ahead.
“We very much regret having to take this action and we recognise the effect this will have on our Perth team, many of whom have worked for Fishers for a number of years. However, we believe we have no choice, given the level of uncertainty we face.”
Fishers, which has its headquarters in Cupar, Fife, has seven plants across the country and a workforce of more than 800. However, there are no similar plans to close any other sites.
Pete Wishart, SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire, said his focus would be on ensuring support would be available to staff.
“This is hugely disappointing news and I am concerned about the 84 staff who will be facing a very uncertain future at this troubling time,” he said.
“Most of these employees will be based in my constituency and it is imperative that support is in place to help them secure new jobs, should the plant be closed completely.”
