UNITE the union has called on the Scottish Government and local authorities to ‘urgently’ work with the organisation to explore how skilled Stewart Milne Group workers can be found suitable alternative employment on public procurement contracts.
The union has reacted angrily to the announcement that the business has been placed into administration, claiming that workers were given ‘no notice’. Unite represents over 60 tradespersons at the company in locations including in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The union said it is actively exploring a protective award against the group.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “The announcement that the Stewart Milne Group has been placed in administration is grim news. However, what is totally unacceptable is the workforce were given no prior warning nor has there been any consultation with Unite.
“Unite is now actively exploring all legal avenues in support of our members and it is fully determined to get them justice.”
Unite explained that a protective award can be awarded where 20 or more employees are made redundant because an employer did not consult before any redundancy announcement. Employment tribunals can make various awards from 45 days to 90 days of full pay.
Administrators Teneo have confirmed that 217 jobs will be lost, and Unite added that it is feared hundreds more in the supply chain could be impacted.
