THE First Minister has reacted to the “concerning” news that a major Scottish housebuilding firm has appointed administrators.
We previously told how housebuilder Stewart Milne Group has entered administration with the immediate loss of more than 200 jobs.
The construction firm, which is based in the north-east of Scotland, said it faced “significant challenges” since Covid, with administrator Teneo confirming that 217 jobs would be affected with hundreds of other sub-contractor roles also expected to be impacted.
Reacting to the news on Twitter/X, Humza Yousaf said: “This is very concerning news and undoubtedly a huge shock for the workers impacted.
“Pace (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) will be engaged to support the workforce as best we can at this deeply worrying time.”
Staff were invited to an online call on Monday afternoon and were informed of the decision.
They were told they would not be paid from the week before Christmas or for work completed on Monday.
Meanwhile, the SNP’s Westminster leader and MP for Aberdeen South Stephen Flynn commented on Twitter/X: “Devastating news for all involved with the company. Vitally important that all staff are given immediate support and was in touch with Scottish Government colleagues earlier.
“Many questions will be posed, and require answering, but workers must be the priority.”
In a statement, the group’s founder Stewart Milne said: “I am devastated by this totally unexpected outcome of the sale process and struggling to accept it, given the profound impact it will have on employees, sub-contractors, suppliers and customers.
“Stewart Milne Group was up for sale and, following significant interest, two bids were submitted.
“The bank has not accepted either bid and withdrawn its funding which left the directors with no option but to appoint administrators.
“I tried everything I could to find a way to achieve a better outcome for the business and the people who depend on it. I believe one of the bids could have delivered a comparable, financial return to administration and, crucially, allowed the business to continue to operate, safe-guarding hundreds of jobs and protecting livelihoods.”
