Union chiefs representing sacked workers at a furniture factory have demanded a law change to hold the firm’s owners accountable.
GMB Scotland wants bosses at Havelock International, in Kirkcaldy, “pursued for the cost of their actions or negligence” over the shock plant closure.
Last week’s lightning move made 247 people redundant but the firm – owned by London-based investment firm Rcapital – was described as “viable” and with a “full order book” the evening before administrators moved in.
In a letter to Business and Fair Work Minister Jamie Hepburn, GMB Scotland say there are issues surrounding the company’s collapse “which cannot go unchallenged”.
GMB Scotland’s Allison Cairns said: “Havelock benefitted from £30million at the expense of the public purse when loans to the previous owners were written off.
“In return, the new owners appear to have collapsed the company in the most damaging way possible for the workforce. MPs should be considering if the scandal makes the case for a change in the law allowing owners to be pursued for the cost of their actions, or negligence.”
Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP Lesley Laird said: “The workers deserve answers and I’m determined they get them.”
