Crab processing factory closure threatens 81 jobs

The proposed closure of the Burgons site, threatening 81 jobs, has been described as a “devastating blow”​ to the coastal town of Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders.

The company directors said in a statement: “This decision will impact 32 permanent staff and a further 49 temporary seasonal workers who were due to be laid off at the end of December.”​

All employees at the site have been put at risk of redundancy after continued losses since the firm was purchased from its previous owner in 2012.

‘Serious financial losses’​

“​Since then, and despite investments of over £500,000, the business has suffered serious financial losses that have been supported by the parent company (the Blue Sea Food Company),”​ the directors said in a statement.

“These losses can no longer be sustained.”​

Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP Calum Kerr said he was due to meet the company’s management today (November 11) to discuss the “challenging”​ situation.

“This news is a devastating blow to the workers at Burgons and their families and is clearly going to have a negative impact on the economy of Eyemouth and beyond,” ​Kerr said.

‘Run-up to Christmas’​

“The fact that this dreadfully bad news has come in the run-up to Christmas makes it a particularly difficult time for those involved and I have the greatest sympathy for the situation they now find themselves in.” ​

Burgons has started discussions with staff, customers, suppliers, Scottish Enterprise, the local council, Marine Scotland, MSPs and the wider seafood industry.

The company said it was seeking “any way”​ to continue the business and mitigate job losses.

“Employee representatives will be appointed and will work closely with the owners to consider alternatives to redundancy or ways of avoiding redundancies,”​ its directors said.