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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Glencraft staff set for lifeline | Glencraft staff set for lifeline |
| (9 minutes later) | |
| Staff who lost their jobs with the closure of a factory for blind and disabled workers could be thrown a lifeline, it has been announced. | Staff who lost their jobs with the closure of a factory for blind and disabled workers could be thrown a lifeline, it has been announced. |
| Glencraft in Aberdeen closed in November with the loss of 51 jobs and liquidators have been seeking buyers. | Glencraft in Aberdeen closed in November with the loss of 51 jobs and liquidators have been seeking buyers. |
| On a visit to the factory, First Minister Alex Salmond revealed Aberdeen-based Production Services Network (PSN) hoped to help. | On a visit to the factory, First Minister Alex Salmond revealed Aberdeen-based Production Services Network (PSN) hoped to help. |
| Efforts are under way to agree a funding package for a business plan. | Efforts are under way to agree a funding package for a business plan. |
| The factory had operated since 1843 but closed in November. | The factory had operated since 1843 but closed in November. |
| This will only work if the business and wider community matches our commitment Bob KeillerPSN chief executive | This will only work if the business and wider community matches our commitment Bob KeillerPSN chief executive |
| The Glencraft board blamed the city council's lack of support for the collapse. However, the council argued it had tried everything it could to help. | The Glencraft board blamed the city council's lack of support for the collapse. However, the council argued it had tried everything it could to help. |
| Energy company PSN believes a new enterprise could build on the work of the previous company. | Energy company PSN believes a new enterprise could build on the work of the previous company. |
| The new venture, Glencraft (Social Enterprise) Ltd, would retain charitable status and offer as many former staff as possible the opportunity of new employment. | The new venture, Glencraft (Social Enterprise) Ltd, would retain charitable status and offer as many former staff as possible the opportunity of new employment. |
| The Scottish government and partners, including Aberdeen City Council and Scottish Enterprise, are working with PSN to agree a funding package. | The Scottish government and partners, including Aberdeen City Council and Scottish Enterprise, are working with PSN to agree a funding package. |
| Staff were said to be "thrilled" at the news. | Staff were said to be "thrilled" at the news. |
| 'Successful future' | 'Successful future' |
| Mr Salmond said: "With a tradition stretching back over 150 years, Glencraft has been a well-respected brand, making quality products and providing valuable jobs in the community. | Mr Salmond said: "With a tradition stretching back over 150 years, Glencraft has been a well-respected brand, making quality products and providing valuable jobs in the community. |
| Aberdeen's Glencraft had been in operation since 1843 | Aberdeen's Glencraft had been in operation since 1843 |
| "I am delighted to announce that PSN intends to offer employees a lifeline and the opportunity to build a successful future from this prestigious past. | "I am delighted to announce that PSN intends to offer employees a lifeline and the opportunity to build a successful future from this prestigious past. |
| "The skills and expertise of staff should not be wasted, and the aim is that a new business would employ as many former employees as possible." | "The skills and expertise of staff should not be wasted, and the aim is that a new business would employ as many former employees as possible." |
| PSN chief executive Bob Keiller said: "Glencraft epitomises the north east's philanthropic and entrepreneurial tradition. | PSN chief executive Bob Keiller said: "Glencraft epitomises the north east's philanthropic and entrepreneurial tradition. |
| "We will inject stronger business principles through refreshed leadership, marketing expertise and fundraising support to ensure Glencraft once again becomes a successful and sustainable business. | "We will inject stronger business principles through refreshed leadership, marketing expertise and fundraising support to ensure Glencraft once again becomes a successful and sustainable business. |
| "But this will only work if the business and wider community matches our commitment." | "But this will only work if the business and wider community matches our commitment." |
| Community Union, which represents former Glencraft employees, fears the devil will be in the detail following the news that there will be a new social enterprise established at the Glencraft site. | |
| Heather Meldrum, regional director of Community Union, which represents former Glencraft employees, said: "Our objective remains to get our members back into sustainable employment as soon as possible, so this announcement is a positive first step and we will be seeking urgent talks to take this forward." |