Union launches campaign to save almost 100 jobs under threat at Falkirk concrete firm

According to the union, the firm recently announced around 95 job losses at its Dollar Industrial Estate site, with production set to move to other sites in the UK.

In response Unite has launched a campaign highlighting several cost-saving measures which could improve the viability of the plant post-COVID-19.

The workforce is currently furloughed under the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, but despite the financial assistance the company has opened a consultation on the redundancies.

As part of its campaign, the trade union has also targeted local politicians and the Scottish Government for support to retain the jobs in Falkirk.

Unite industrial officer Scott Foley said: “The decision by Marshalls to announce 95 redundancies will have a major impact on the local economy including the supply chain. Despite stating publicly their concerns over the financial impact the Coronavirus pandemic has had on the company, the directors have still found the time to award themselves inflated bonuses and enhanced remuneration packages.“We believe this decision is needless and premature. Unite has launched a campaign to retain the jobs in Falkirk and we will leave no stone unturned. We ask the local community and politicians to support the workers and together do all we can to get Marshalls to change their minds.”

Marshalls PLC, which employs 2000 people throughout the UK, is a leading manufacturer of innovative hard landscaping products and operates quarries and manufacturing sites throughout the UK.

It stated its 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.

Mashalls is now in consultation with employees over redundancy proposals Copyright: JPIMedia

“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 – initially thought to be 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 reported 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.”