Barr announce job cuts
UNEMPLOYMENT gloom hit Galloway again this week - as construction giant Barr confirmed it is shedding almost 30 jobs.
Fourteen posts are to go at their Solway Steel plant in Creetown, with a further 15 at the firm's Barrhill base.
Barr Group's HR manager Bill Campbell said the decision had been a difficult one to make.
He said: "Potentially, we are looking at a loss of 14 jobs at Creetown and 15 in Barrhill.
"We're in the situation where the steel production industry is facing economic change because the construction industry is struggling. We took on a number of staff over 2007 and 2008 and now we have no choice but to decrease those numbers again.
"I must stress this is not a decision we have taken lightly and we have consulted deeply with everyone involved."
Mr Campbell added: "We hope that when the economic situation improves, we can look at offering these jobs once again but we have reviewed the situation across the country and this is the decision we've been forced to take.
"I think everyone recognises the situation we're in."
Dee councillor Jane Maitland said yesterday: "I am concerned for Creetown and will be working with my fellow members to ensure that people's needs are met.
"I really do hope this is temporary, as I know there are projects in the pipeline for the company to look forward to, but at the moment, in this economic climate, everyone is tightening their belts. The council have supported the community in the past and will continue to offer support."
Kirkmabreck Community Council chairwoman Isobel Campbell said: "The community council are concerned about this.
"In a little community like Creetown, it is a big blow compared to businesses in the Central Belt. It's a worrying time for the whole community as Barr are good employers and several workers in the plant are born and bred in the village.
"Hopefully when the upturn comes the factory will be back in full production again."
The Job Centre and Inland Revenue have been helping Barr staff and advising the company throughout. The move will leave 30 staff at Creetown and around 35 in Barrhill.
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Weather for Newton Stewart
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 16 C
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Temperature: 11 C to 16 C
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