Call to find Essentra staff a job

Unite Scotland have this week called for employers in and around Ayrshire who are looking for staff to contact their Ayr office.

It follows the news that Essentra would be closing its doors in Kilmarnock.

Around 50 staff that had provided a service in Ayrshire are now being left to find alternate employment.

Recognising the “loyalty, skill base and commitment” of these workers, Unite will be offering bespoke training programmes to help them find a job.

Unite regional officer, Andy MacFarlane, said: “We are deeply disappointed that Essentra have failed to follow through on their proposals to keep the plant open, but it is also important to recognise that the workers have shown great dedication to their employer.

“Many of the workers have worked in the plant since they left school, and this devotion is something that we simply cannot teach.

“They are an asset to the working spirit of Ayrshire.

“Unite wants to ensure that this highly skilled workforce continue to make a valuable contribution for the Ayrshire economy.

“This is why our lifelong learning team are asking employers to contact us, as we have created the resources to provide bespoke training for employers and ensure that we re- train the workforce so that Ayrshire doesn’t lose these workers’ skills and talents.”

Any employer who would like to discuss the option of Unite retraining these staff specific to the requirements in gaps in their workforce can contact the Ayr office on 01292 430170 or call the Lifelong Learning team in Glasgow on 0141 404 5424.