Unite the union has on 9 January, angrily reacted to the announcement that The Stewart Milne group has been placed into administration saying the workers were given ‘no notice’.
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Unite represents over 60 tradespersons at the construction company in various locations including in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Unite is actively exploring a protective award against The Stewart Milne 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.â€
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.
The administrator’s Teneo have stated that 217 trade roles will be lost, and it is feared that hundreds more in the supply chain will lose their jobs.
Unite has demanded the Scottish Government and local authorities urgently work with the union to explore how the skilled workers can be found suitable alternative employment on public procurement contracts.
John Clark, Unite industrial officer, added: “The actions of The Stewart Milne group regarding the lack of consultation with the workers is potentially illegal, and it is certainly no way to treat a loyal workforce. We are in the process of contacting all our members to progress protective award claims being lodged against the company.
“It’s vital that the Scottish Government and the local authorities in which the company has a presence work with Unite to explore how we can find suitable alternative employment for the workers including on public contracts as a priority.†■