Steps To Save Jobs

Usdaw confirms talks to redeploy under-threat Tesco staff will get underway today.

Yesterday, the supermarket announced that 43 stores are to close, including Kirkcaldy.

189 jobs will go in central Fife by April 4th.

Union bosses say a 45 day consultation period is now underway.

Pauline Foulkes, Usdaw National Officer said: "This is devastating news for over 2,000 dedicated staff in the 43 Tesco stores across the UK, who have worked hard to make their shop viable during a difficult time for the company.

"We will now enter into full and meaningful consultation meetings on this proposal, where we will look closely at the company's business case for the closures. Our priority is to maximise employment within Tesco, seek redeployment opportunities for members, where possible, and to keep job losses to a minimum.

"We will support, advise and represent our members throughout this difficult period of uncertainty."

Fife Council has also given an assurance that it is working hard to minimise the impact of Tesco's closure of the Kirkcaldy store.

Fife Council Leader David Ross said: "This is a devastating blow for Kirkcaldy and especially for the 189 staff who work at the Tesco's store, and their families.

"I have already spoken to Tesco's Corporate Affairs Manager and we will be meeting in the next few days. I want an explanation for their decision to pull out of what must be one of their busiest stores in Fife.

"I am keen to explore any opportunity for keeping the Kirkcaldy store open, but failing that we will be seeking assurances about the future for the staff and what can be done through redeployment or other ways of minimising the impact on them.

"I am also arranging an urgent meeting with Threadneedle, the owners of the Postings, to assess the impact of the Tesco decision and to discuss how we can work together to ensure a positive future for this key part of Kirkcaldy town centre.

"The future of the Post Office currently located in the Tesco store is another issue we will be seeking assurances on."

Deputy Leader Lesley Laird added: "The PACE team that deals with redundancy situations and major business closures, has already been in contact with the company. The Council will offer any support it can to the staff affected by this decision.

"I will be discussing the implications of this closure with other stakeholders to gauge the impact on the wider Fife economy and what we can do to mitigate its effects."

Cllr. Neil Crooks, Area Committee Chairman, said: "We are all terribly saddened by the news that Tesco have announced the closure of The Postings store.

"We will obviously now be working with our community and business partners to see what help we can offer to the area. We will also continue to support the hard work which Kirkcaldy Ambitions and the Bid Group put in to rejuvenating the town centre."