Coupar Angus ventilation firm hit by major jobs blow over ‘bad debts’.

Staff let go at Coupar Angus-based MJ Ventilation

A Perthshire company has been forced to make dozens of employees redundant because of “bad debts”.

MJ Ventilation, based in Coupar Angus, has let go around 50 staff from its sites across Scotland, including its Perthshire base, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

A spokesperson for the company confirmed the job losses yesterday morning.

He attributed them to “bad debts” but said more information would “come out soon”.

The firm’s Coupar Angus workshop staff has accounted for 15-20 of the total number of redundancies.

The spokesperson said: “There’s no one remaining at all really – everyone was made redundant on Friday.”

He described the job losses as “sad”, adding: “The company had been running for a number of years and was held in high regard by its clients.”

However, he was “confident” the company’s clients would take on some of their former staff.

The company manufactured and installed ventilation systems, working on small projects and with major contractors on larger developments.

It also worked on projects across the UK.

Perthshire North SNP MSP John Swinney extended his support to those affected by the job losses.

He said: “I am very sorry to hear this news, which will be a significant blow for the local community and have profound consequences for the families of those affected.

“I will be writing to Jamie Hepburn MSP, minister for business, work and fair skills, to enquire as to any support that can be made available to workers who have lost their jobs.

“I will also be making contact with the administrator.

“Should any of my affected constituents feel that I can offer further assistance, I would ask that they get in touch with my office and I will be happy to arrange to meet with them.”

Perth and Perthshire North SNP MP Pete Wishart reiterated Mr Swinney’s support for those who have lost their jobs, saying: “I am seeking to contact the appointed administrator to see what can be done.”

This... will be a significant blow for the local community. MSP JOHN SWINNEY