Action Urged Over Tullis Russell Future

A leading union says an urgent intervention is needed to save Tullis Russell.

The paper-making firm announced yesterday that it had entered into administration with the immediate loss of 325 jobs. The remaining 149 positions are expected to go once outstanding orders are fulfilled.

The decision is down to profits falling sharply over the last five years. Unite has called on the Scottish government to make urgent interventions.

The development comes less than two months after the official opening of a new £200 million combined heat and power (CHP) biomass plant on site, which Energy Minster Fergus Ewing and Tullis Russell Group Chief Executive Chris Parr said would ‘safeguard 500 jobs’. 

Unite Scottish Secretary Pat Rafferty said, “Last month the Scottish Energy Minster Fergus Ewing heralded a bright future for the Markinch workers with the opening of the new biomass plant, aided by a public subsidy of over £8 million. 

“We know that the company has been seeking a new buyer but it is remarkable that in such a short space of time 325 jobs can go from being safeguarded to the scrapheap while a further 149 posts are put on notice. 

“Our members’ on the employee board have had no communication or consultation from the directors that the company would be put into administration – it is totally unacceptable. 

“Unite is calling for immediate intervention by the Scottish government to restore the employment status of the workers made redundant and to save the future of this site.”