Kirkcaldy-based shopfitters set to shed jobs

The news that more redundancies are planned comes just a year after 50 jobs were lost amid assurances that it would help secure the long-term viability of the company and its workforce.

At present it is unclear exactly how many jobs are set to go, with a spokesman for the company saying the process was “at the very early stages.”

It is understood that the workforce was called together this morning at the factory and told that due to a fall in orders, an efficiency drive was looking initally for voluntary redundancies.

The company, which has its head office at the John Smith Business Park as well as manufacturing facilities at the former ESA McIntosh factory on Mitchelston Industrial Estate, moved its workforce from Dalgety Bay to Kirkcaldy last year after striking a deal with Fife Coucil.

The authority bought its warehouse and offices for £75,000.

Havelock Europa currently employs just over 400 people, with just under half of those based at its Mitchelston factory. It manufactures interiors for the financial, education and retail sectors, with clients including the Lloyds Banking Group, Marks & Spencer, Primark, and universities and schools.

David Torrance, Kirkcaldy MSP reacted to the news, saying: “I am disappointed by today’s announcement that jobs will be lost in the constituency, although I am led to believe that this is less than 5 per cent of the total workforce.

“I understand that Havelock believes this move is necessary to safeguard the rest of the workforce based in Kirkcaldy, though the impact this will have on those who now face redundancy should not be overlooked.

“Havelock continues to be a major employer within the constituency, and I hope that despite these immediate challenges they will move forward and continue to be a significant contributor and benefit to the local

economy in Fife.”