WIREDGOV

Fife Taskforce figures released during Fife Business Week.

The Fife Taskforce has supported 288 of the 446 Tullis Russell workers into re-employment, helping the entire redundant workforce with a package of education and training.

The Fife Taskforce - which held its 6th meeting earlier this month – is supporting workers across the Fife economy, including Tullis Russell. To date, it has achieved positive outcomes for the 308 workers of a total 560 workers in Fife involved in the process.

These figures come during Fife Business Week, which runs from November 9 to 13.

Key Taskforce outcomes around training and reemployment include:

• 396 training requests received with 305 arranged
• Jobs Fair event held on 8th September which attracted 368 participants
• Allocation of £332,526 training funding
• Creation of a Fife Taskforce Training Database to support training brokerage and co-ordination activity

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:

“The Fife Taskforce has focused on action to assist people and businesses since first convening earlier this year. Our aim has always been to work as closely as we are able with colleagues in the public and private sectors to help those communities affected by job losses in Glenrothes and Central Fife.

“The fact that seven out of ten Tullis Russell workers have been re-employed demonstrates not only the effectiveness of the Taskforce, but is testament to the skilled workforce of Fife. Figures like this would be welcome at any time, but they are particularly resonant during Fife Business Week.

“The Scottish Government has supported the taskforce with £6 million and there is still much work to do to ensure this best supports local communities and the wider Fife economy. But the right people are around the table and I am confident that there will be more positive outcomes from the work of the Fife Taskforce.

“I would like to thank the public sector agencies, the private sector businesses, and the communities themselves who have contributed so effectively to the process so far.” 

Fife Council Leader Cllr David Ross, said: 

“We are making progress on this and we are pleased that over half of the Tullis Russell workforce has now been redeployed and that a number of people are also now in training or education. The Fife Taskforce is working hard to implement its ongoing plan of action to support workers, the local community and the wider Fife economy. I would like to thank all those from public, private and voluntary sectors who are making valuable contributions to this work.

“Although I am encouraged by what has been achieved to date through the Task Force, there are still significant numbers of workers directly affected by the Tullis Russell and other closures who require our continued support. I can reassure all those affected that further assistance will be forthcoming.”