Havelock International

Dear GMB Member,

 

Havelock International – Member Update

 

We have become aware that the redundancy service has not been able to calculate any payments as quickly as they had anticipated.

 

If you have not received any arrears of wages or accrued holiday pay, please contact our office as a matter of urgency. We will work with them to resolve this situation as soon as possible.

 

Redundancy payments will follow as soon as practically possible.

 

Please contact GMB Scotland quoting 'Havelock' on 0141 332 8641 or email: glasgow.reception@gmb.org.uk

 

Allison Cairns
GMB Scotland Organiser

 

Dear GMB Member

GMB Scotland in Havelock International – Important Member Update

This morning (Wednesday 31 July) we have met with your employer concerning the future of the business and your livelihoods.

All workers have been called to a mass meeting tomorrow (Thursday 1 August) morning at 10AM. Although unconfirmed by management, we expect this announcement will be in relation to Havelock entering administration.

Management has attempted to sell the business as a going concern but without success.  Furthermore, the non-payment of a significant six figure sum to the business from a key contractor on the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) hotel and spa fit-out has caused a major cash flow problem.

The full consequences of these issues are yet to be determined but the threats to jobs and the business are clear. Our understanding is that this business is viable and that order books are healthy but it’s the cash flow issues that need to be overcome in the immediate term.

Our absolute priority is the defence of your interests – that means protecting your rights and your livelihood with every resource we have.  We understand this is a deeply worrying time but we are on hand to do all we can.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me on 07506 703978 or email allison.cairns@gmb.org.uk 

Allison Cairns

GMB Scotland Organiser

Dear GMB Member

GMB Scotland in Havelock Europa – Important Member Update!

This morning’s announcement confirming the new investment by Rcapital is a welcome development, particularly given our situation of just 72 hours ago.

I hope the news provides some respite for you and your families, as I know from your reps the worry which had descended on the staff.

However, we must be clear that significant challenge are ahead of us as the new investors will move to implement their plans for the future of the Kirkcaldy site.

Our priority is the defence of your interests – that’s why we are seeking urgent meetings with them to sustain your jobs, pay and conditions.

We have previously said that the foundations of this business are good and built in no small part by your world-class skills and manufacturing.

Rcapital have publicly acknowledged Havelock’s underlying strengths and we sincerely hope that carries forward into their vision for jobs and investment in Kirkcaldy.

We will be in regular communication both on-site and via email and mobile over the coming days and weeks, so please ensure your contact details are up to date.

Also, if you know a colleague who isn’t a GMB member then there’s no better to time to join. Joining is easy and can be done online at www.gmb.org.uk/join 

In the meantime, if you have any questions at all then please do not hesitate to contact me at alan.ritchie@gmb.org.uk or call 0141 332 8641.

 Alan Ritchie
GMB Scotland Organiser

Dear GMB Member

GMB Scotland in Havelock Europa – Important Member Update

First of all, having spoken with your workplace representatives, I know how much worry your employer’s present situation is causing you. Please be assured that our priority is the defence of your interests.

The immediate future is very uncertain as a result of your employer’s financial position. Senior management have told us that new investment is urgently needed to sustain the business in the face of very difficult financial conditions.

That world-class manufacturing exists here is not up for debate. Your employer knows this and prospective buyers will also know this. What we are hoping for over the next few days is that a buyer steps forward to save livelihoods.

We are convinced that the foundations of this business are good and would provide new ownership with every chance to revitalise and grow a world-class manufacturing base here in Kirkcaldy.

GMB has been assured that our members and all staff will be paid on time and to the penny for this month. Moving forward we will ensure that the employment rights of our members are fully respected whatever the challenges that face us over the coming days and weeks.

We will be in constant communication both on-site and via email and mobile over the coming days. In the meantime, if you have any questions at all then please do not hesitate to contact me at alan.ritchie@gmb.org.uk or call 0141 332 8641.

Alan Ritchie
GMB Scotland Organiser

 Dear GMB Member

GMB Scotland in Havelock – Visit Re-cap & the Future

It was good to see so many of you last week when I visited Kirkcaldy and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all again for making me feel so welcome.

As I explained, during the recent uncertainty GMB has been doing what we can to ensure Scottish Government support to protect the future of the company and with it your livelihoods.

It was clear from my visit that many of you are still worried about the future and I fully understand this. These are turbulent times for our economy and the communities of Fife have suffered more than most in recent years.

While there can be no guarantees, I genuinely believe the support from the Scottish Government has only been offered because they believe Havelock Europa is a viable business. That should give us all some hope.

And I am in no doubt whatsoever that a major factor in securing that support is because of the commitment and world-class manufacturing skills of you, our GMB members.

In the coming weeks and months we will continue to work with your shop stewards and do everything we possibly can through the resources of our trade union to help deliver a positive future for our members in Havelock.

Please be assured that the priority of GMB Scotland is to defend your interests, always.

Yours sincerely

Gary Smith
GMB Scotland Secretary