Job losses at construction firm

Workers at a Perth construction firm could be facing a miserable Christmas after it was warned some could lose their jobs.

Kilmac confirmed on Wednesday it had been hit hard by delays to a number of projects and unsuccessful contract bids.

However Athole McDonald, Kilmac’s managing director, claimed the“vast majority”of the over 100 local jobs should be secure.

He added any staff who are let go would be given priority status when the construction firm’s fresh contracts are secured in the New Year.

Mr McDonald said:“The construction industry in Tayside, and beyond, is experiencing one of the downturns we have come to expect in the 15 years since Kilmac was established by myself and Richard Kilcullen.

“While over 90 per cent of the jobs are secure the thought of being forced to let go any of our personnel is a harrowing one and not an easy pill to swallow at any time of year, and even more galling with Christmas on the horizon.

“I must stress we are looking at all the options but took the difficult decision to alert staff of potential small scale redundancies.

“The directors are doing everything in our power to secure further contracts to maintain current staffing levels.”

He continued:“Unlike larger companies that carry an order book for up to 18 months ahead, Kilmac are regularly only notified of start dates for projects 14 days in advance.

“A couple of projects due to start in December have been subject to delays beyond our control.

“Another larger project in Dundee has been delayed, perhaps permanently, due to funding and planning issues.

“Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we have been outbid lately on major projects which has been due to start over the next couple of months.”

Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, said he will be contacting the construction company to discuss the job losses in more detail.

The SNP representative said:“I know that directors are keen to stress that this is only one of the options that are being looked at and I know that they will be keen to avoid this if at all possible.

“I will be contacting Kilmac directly to discuss the matter further.”