Workers lose out on pay packets after collapse of Kirkcaldy care provider.

Employer told staff members by email they no longer had a job

Employees of a Kirkcaldy care provider have been told they will not be paid after the service shut its doors suddenly.

Paramount Care, based at Mitchelston Industrial Estate, told workers in an email on Wednesday that it would be closing with immediate effect.

One devastated worker said: “I was crying my eyes out.

“Not just for me, but my clients too.” It is understood around 18 people have been made redundant as a result of the firm’s collapse.

Meanwhile, Fife Council’s health and social care service is working with other care providers to find cover for Paramount clients left without carers.

And, in the email to staff, company director Ruth Smyth pointed the finger at the local authority over the closure, claiming the local authority owed Paramount money.

Paramount staff cared for around 60 people at any one time, including the elderly and younger people with support needs.

The worker who spoke to The Courier, who did not want to be named, said carers were out helping clients when they heard they had lost their jobs.

“Like everybody else, I’m gutted,” said the employee.

“We’re all good carers. We looked after our clients. Our clients came first. “I had a good bond with them. “I’ve got a partner and a house to look after. I have now got to apply for Universal Credit and it’s a nightmare.

“None of the carers or clients saw it coming.

“We were actually working yesterday and as far as I know some carers were working last night as well.

“I got a phone call from my manager at about the back of 4pm and that was followed by an email.”

In the email, Ms Smyth told staff: “It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you that after 19 years trading as Paramount Care Agency Limited, I am closing the doors of the company.

“Fife Council owes us a great deal of money outstanding from years ago, and are reluctant to pay up.

“I have been propping the company up financially to ensure you all get paid, but I can no longer do that.

“I would like to thank and praise you all for the work you have done over the years. I am really sorry I can no longer pay you for the work you do.”

Councillor David Graham, Fife Council’s spokesman for health and social care, said: “The service were made aware of the closure yesterday.

“Since then the service have been working tirelessly with other providers to ensure that all service users who were previously cared for by Paramount are now being cared for at least in the short term with other providers.

“Work continues with other providers to ensure that we can continue to provide the levels of care required in the longer term.

“I want to go on record to thank the staff from the service and other providers for their excellent work.”

Paramount Care could no longer continue running.