Job cuts warning from housebuilder

The firm behind a major housing development in Angus has confirmed it is considering cutting staff just weeks before Christmas.

Ellon-based Scotia Homes is behind the Glenview development on the former Guide Dogs training centre in Forfar, which is under construction.

The firm announced a “review of its business” amid “continuing challenges” brought on by the oil and gas downturn and the “heightening uncertainties” caused by Brexit.

The company said the review will “include consideration of staffing levels with potential for some redundancies”.

A spokeswoman for Scotia Homes would not confirm how many employees are at risk.

Scotia Homes managing director Martin Bruce said: “The decision to undertake this review has not been taken lightly.

“It was only decided following very thorough consideration of the impact of improving efficiencies, market conditions and delivery timelines for forthcoming projects.

“Despite some promising signs over the summer of a potential recovery to the property market, the uncertainties presented by Brexit confusion are causing continuing challenges to trading and this is compounded by thirdparty delays affecting new start sites.

“This reorganisation process will be undertaken over the next few months and is likely to result in some redundancies.”

He said the business was “well-placed” with a “strong order book of advanced sales”, but stressed “it is important to position the business to ensure longterm stability”.

He added that the business would go forward at “trading levels which are no longer forecasting the same levels of previously planned growth”.

Scotia Homes was granted planning permission for 100 new homes on the 5.3 hectare Dundee Road site in Forfar last year. The development is a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and bungalows.

The Guide Dogs training facility closed more than a decade ago when the charity opened new premises in the town’s Orchardbank Business Park.

Scotia Homes managing director Martin Bruce.