Havelock workers get help from Scottish Government

5 August 2019, 13:36 | Updated: 5 August 2019, 13:38

The Scottish Government has pledged to do all it can to support hundreds of workers who lost their jobs after the collapse of a shopfitting firm in Fife.

Last week, administrators said 247 staff at Havelock International in Kirkcaldy would be made redundant immediately, with a "challenging trading environment" blamed for the collapse.

Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) - the Scottish Government's initiative for responding to redundancy situations - has now announced it will offer additional support to staff at a free event in Kirkcaldy on Monday 12.

Workers will be able to seek advice on a range of topics at the event including CV writing and interview techniques, as well being able to speak to local employers that have vacancies to fill.

The event, which runs from 10.30am to 2.30pm at the Dean Park Hotel in Kirkcaldy, is open to anyone living in the area looking for work.

Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: "Our immediate priority is the staff at Havelock International Ltd and we will do all we can to support them, their families and the wider community at this difficult time.

"This is a major loss for the local community and that is why we are doing all we can to support those made redundant secure alternative employment as quickly as possible.

"The Scottish Government has responded immediately by providing skills development and employability support through our Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative, which aims to minimise the time those affected by redundancy are out of work.

"This event will provide Havelock staff with the opportunity to speak to local employers with vacancies and I would encourage all those interested to take advantage of the expert advice available on the day."

Julie Kennedy, of PACE, said: "This event will offer a wide range of useful advice on a variety of topics for anyone who is either unemployed or facing the prospect of unemployment.

"This includes job hunting, writing CVs and interview techniques to advice on accessing training and learning.

"It also offers the chance to meet local employers with vacancies to fill and so I'd encourage anyone looking for work to drop in and see what is available."