The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
200 jobs at risk as Fife firm struggles to pay its workers
Fears company is on brink of administration for second time
More than 200 jobs are in jeopardy as Kirkcaldy shopfitting firm Havelock International struggles to pay its wages.
Amid growing uncertainty for the future of the troubled company, shocked workers have been told to reconvene this morning for news.
No one from the company was made available for comment yesterday but it is understood Havelock is again facing significant cash flow problems.
Having been bought out by Rcapital last year soon after falling into administration, fears are growing the company is on the brink of heading into administration once more.
GMB Scotland organiser Allison Cairns claimed the main cash problem had arisen from a non-payment due to the business from a key contractor on the AECC hotel and spa fit-out.
Labour MP Lesley Laird said it was disappointing that the firm, Robertson, would not bring forward a payment due on August 15.
“There was money owing for work done and if paid early would have allowed staff to be paid today.”
She said it was galling so many jobs could be at risk from the want of money already earned, a situation which could have been avoided “with a bit of goodwill”.
But a spokesman for Robertson strongly refuted allegations it was in any way responsible for the demise of Havelock. He said: “Over the last 12 months Robertson has been supportive of both Havelock and Rcapital, the current owners.”
It had been making early and direct payments for materials and products off-site for Havelock’s use, which reduced pressure on it due to its inability to secure credit terms, he added.
The GMB hopes the firm will clarify the situation this morning after a brief meeting with management yesterday raised more questions than answers as administration had not been confirmed.
“We do believe this is a viable employer, we are told that the order books are in good shape, but there is an immediate need for Havelock’s clients to pay their bills so it can pay this workforce and sustain the business,” Ms Cairns added.
The news came as a shock as chief operating officer George McAdam had revealed recently Havelock had an increased order book for the later part of this year.
Local SNP MSP David Torrance said: “My thoughts are with all the workforce and their families, on whom this news will have a devastating impact.”