Fears dozens of jobs could be axed in Scotland as flooring factory to close

DOZENS of jobs are under threat as a Scottish flooring factory is set to close.

Interfloor, which is based in Heathall near Dumfries, makes gripper bars for carpets.

The company used to be a major employer in the area, and currently has 33 staff at its Scottish site.

GMB Scotland revealed that consultation has started on plans to close the Dumfries hub.

The company plans to consolidate operations in Haslingden, Lancashire, the BBC reports.

And they have put different options to staff and a final decision would be made at the end of the month.

Following the company’s biggest customer Carpetright going into administration in July, their sales have fallen.

It also said sanctions linked to the war in Ukraine have driven up costs and prevented the import of plywood.

The GMB union said ti suggested staff from Dumfries could travel south of the border to help train workers.

Alan Ritchie, GMB Scotland organiser at Interfloor, said: “The company’s stated intention to close this site and transfer the work to England is bad enough but to ask those workers facing redundancy to train their replacements is beyond the pale.

“The company has announced these plans and launched a 30-day consultation on the proposals without, apparently, seriously exploring any other option.

“The workers in Dumfries are skilled and committed and deserve far better.”

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said he has written a letter to the Scottish government and local agencies in a bid to keep the site open and explore possible options.