Staff of the doomed John M Henderson plant in Arbroath took control of their own futures yesterday, with help from a redundancy support network event.
Around two-thirds of the heavy engineering firm’s 95 employees attended the Angus Pace (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) event at the Angus Centre for Enterprise in the town.
The sense of shock from Friday’s closure is giving way to a determination to find new work among the 60 or so people who were seeking out guidance and information at the event.
As well as the agencies that comprise Pace who aim to deliver a range of coordinated services to assist companies and individuals involved in redundancy prospective employers, predominantly from the Angus and Dundee area, were well represented.
Chris Tait, careers adviser with Pace partner Skills Development Scotland, said: “We have responded as soon as we can after learning that the business had closed its doors.
“We will do all that we can to help find them alternative employment.”
Other support organisations involved through Angus Pace include Jobcentre Plus and Angus Council Towards Employment, as well as Citizens Advice Bureau, Scottish Enterprise, the Money Advice Service and Dundee and Angus College.
Mr Tait said: “This workforce has a lot of experience, so Pace has brought along employers who are looking for the people with the skills they have. They are keen to get employment somewhere else.
“With any redundancy, there can be bitterness or resentment, but I haven’t seen that here. There is something positive being done and people are moving forwards.
“There is hope for them.”
John M Henderson, which operated since 1866, had been a major employer in Arbroath since moving to Kirkton Industrial Estate in 1985.
News of its sudden demise less than a week ago not only sent shockwaves through the town, it also staggered an unsuspecting workforce.
A 32-year-old employee, who had worked in the company’s machine shop for more than three years, said there had been no indication their jobs would go.
Asking to remain anonymous, he said: “The first I heard was the meeting last Friday. We had been quiet before, but no one expected this.
“The whole town is shocked everyone you speak to says so and to be honest I can’t quite take it in that that’s us shut.
“Today has been useful and there have been a lot of potential employers here today. There’s work out there and it’s a question of trying to land on your feet because some will be looking for the same jobs as others.”
Employee Dale Barraclough, 33, a CNC turner, said: “I was disheartened, gutted, but now I’m determined to find something else.
“I’ve picked up lots of information from prospective employers and vacancies have been highlighted to me. It’s been beneficial.”