Falkirk concrete firm's workers hit hard by redundancy drive

The public limited company, which employees 2000 people, is a leading manufacturer of innovative hard landscaping products and operates quarries and manufacturing sites throughout the UK.

It stated this week the Falkirk site had been greatly affected by the COVID-19 lockdown.

A Marshalls spokesperson said: “The economic impact of COVID-19 has been widely felt and is expected to reduce the demand for our products in 2020 and 2021 compared to last year.

“Consequently, like many other companies in the UK, we need to make adjustments so that our business is more sustainable to reflect the lower level of activity than we had originally planned before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Regrettably, we have therefore started to consult on a redundancy proposal. We are actively briefing the affected team members to ensure that they are supported through this process.”

It is believed staff – reportedly as many as 70 – are being called in by management to discuss the situation and will be asked it they want to accept the redundancy proposals.

The deadline for decisions is thought to be May 15.

Falkirk Council Leader Cecil Meiklejohn confirmed Marshalls had not been in touch with the local authority advising of any difficulties.

Councillor Meiklejohn added: “It’s concerning to hear of the risk of redundancy facing employees at Marshalls. The construction industry will be a vital part of the economic recovery plan nationally and locally.

“It does, however, reflect the significant risks to businesses as the COVID-19 situation takes effect. We do urge business to advise us early of any difficulties they are facing and potential redundancy proposals in order to get support to them and their workforce.”