Workers at a crisis-hit north-east fish factory have expressed frustration at being left in the dark about their futures as Christmas looms.
An announcement on the closure of Young’s Seafood plant in Fraserburgh – which employees more than 900 staff – was expected last week but was delayed due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
Union representatives for the staff said that they were no closer to learning their fate.
Now workers are growing increasingly worried that doubts about the future of their jobs may drag into the upcoming festive period.
Alex Moonan, a representative from the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, said that a conference call with the company’s human resources boss was held yesterday.
“We expected to hear last week but the meeting was called off due to unforeseen circumstances,” he said.
“I don’t think the investors have made any final decisions yet.
“We’ve now spoken to our HR manager for a question and answer session but there’s been no real update.”
He added: “People are getting worried now as it comes nearer Christmas. We don’t expect any of the Young’s staff themselves to go before January, but even that is getting nearer.”
More than 900 jobs – spread across Young’s employees and agency staff – are under threat at the Fraserburgh factory after the seafood giant lost a major supermarket contract earlier this year.
Bosses are considering whether to close the factory, or to keep it open with a significantly reduced staff of 250.
A spokeswoman for the company last night said employee consultation in the wake of the loss of the Sainsbury’s contract will continue.
She said: “The company continues to engage with its investors and other stakeholders to determine the most appropriate future structure for its business following the expected transfer of the Sainsbury’s salmon business, away from our company, in November.
“The time being taken to consider this reflects the complexity of the situation and how closely the company is examining the different options.”
Banff and Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has been campaigning to keep jobs in the north-east and last night said the government would continue to take an interest in the situation.