Dozens of jobs at risk at flooring factory as union calls for ‘urgent’ action

A leading union has called for “urgent action” after 33 jobs were put under threat at a flooring factory in Dumfries.

GMB Scotland said the proposed closure of Interfloor’s site at Heathhall – a factory that makes gripper bars for carpets – has been sprung on the workforce.

The company started a 30-day consultation period last week after announcing plans to move operations to a sister operation in Haslingden, in Lancashire.

It has been suggested staff from the plant could travel south to help train workers until the transfer of work is complete.

The job losses would signal the closure of the company’s last factory in Dumfries after two other sites in the town in 2013 were shut down.

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.”

The company claims falling sales follows the loss of their biggest customer Carpetright, which went into administration in July.

Interfloor said it was exploring a variety of possibilities with its employees and aims to engage and support them during the consultation period.

Gary McEwan, managing director of Interfloor said: “We have faced ongoing challenges regarding the long-term financial viability of our Dumfries operation, following the loss of a key raw material previously supplied from Russia.

“This supply ceased as a result of UK sanctions in 2022.

“Although we have secured alternative sources, the significantly increased costs have affected our competitiveness, particularly in a market also influenced by lower-cost imports.

“Over the past few years, this situation has led to a marked reduction in sales, and we have been operating at a loss.

“Despite hoping for improvements in the supply chain, there has been no indication that this will happen in the foreseeable future.

“As a result, we have entered into a formal consultation process with employees regarding the future of the site.

“While these consultations are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to provide further details. Our primary focus remains on supporting our employees during this difficult time.”