One of Galloway’s largest private sector employers has laid off almost its entire workforce of around 150.
3b Construction said the “economic and financial consequences” of the coronavirus crisis were to blame.
Staff were told on Friday they were being laid off without pay with immediate effect.
It is unclear whether the company is taking up the government offer to pay 80 per cent of furloughed workers’ wages.
One man, who asked not to be identified, told the News: “We were laid off without pay on the 25th.
“There are boys that are panicking who are just living week to week.
“Without the 80 per cent pay coming in and not working you can’t really plan for anything.
“Some boys are going to have to go out and find a day’s work - the very thing the government is advising them not to do.”
The 3b email states: “It is with regret that I have to temporarily lay you off without pay as off March 25 as per the terms of your statement of employment.
“The situation has been caused by the coronavirus epidemic and its economic and financial consequences.
“The government has announced a new scheme whereby employees can be placed on furlough and the government will pay 80 per cent of their wages.
“It is too early to say how this will benefit 3b Construction as the scheme is not up and running and few details are available.”
It adds: “We understand this is an incredibly stressful time for you and your family.
“We aim to communicate with you as effectively as possible as we progress through this incredibly difficult time.”
Paul Bennett from the union Unite said: “I would hope the company would furlough the workforce rather than lay them off.
“That way they would be entitled to claim 80 per cent of their wages under the government compensation scheme.
“They have to apply for the furlough. That’s the best route financially for everyone, including the employer. Otherwise employees will only be able to claim job seekers allowance.”
Asked if 3B would be putting its workers on furlough, the directors said in a statement: “We are working to ensure the best possible outcome for all our staff in these difficult times and all employees will be informed directly in due course.”
The UK Government’s coronavirus job retention scheme will pay 80 per cent of furloughed employees’ usual wages up to £2,500 a month. The qualifying period started on March 1 and will continue for at least three months but the scheme is not yet working, meaning firms must wait weeks for cash support.
At the time of going to press the News understands that 3b has offered some employees furlough.
