Politicians’ concerns over firm’s future

Politicians have expressed their concern over the future of major Fife employer Havelock Europa.

The firm’s announcement yesterday that it required urgent funding has been described as “worrying” by Fife Council’s co-leaders David Ross and David Alexander.

In a joint statement they said: “This worrying announcement potentially has a major impact on Kirkcaldy and mid-Fife, as the company is the one of the area’s largest employers.

“The council has been strongly supporting Havelock over the past year with regular officer engagement, and significant assistance from Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. This will continue as the company considers its options over the coming days, and the Head of Economy, Planning and Employability will be in daily contact with the company and the national agencies as the situation develops, to provide all possible support to the company and its workforce.”

They noted that Fife Council had recently announced an additional £1 million for economic regeneration in Kirkcaldy and mid-Fife.

Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance said the firm’s announcement had come as a shock to staff and the local community. He said: “Havelock Europa is a significant employer in the Kirkcaldy area and has played an important role in the Fife economy for many years providing many highly skilled jobs.

“The Scottish Government has been actively engaged with the company in recent months with a view to supporting it as it seeks solutions and I will be asking the Government as a matter of urgency what further steps it might be able to take in the circumstances.

“Havelock Europa is a vital part of the local economy and job losses on this scale would be a devastating blow to both the local area and wider Scotland. I will continue to do everything I can to support the company and its workforce.”

Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance