Crab processing factory closure threatens 81 jobs

Scottish crab processor Burgons of Eyemouth has been brought to the brink of closing its factory following cripplingly losses.

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.

View from MP

“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.”

  •  Calum Kerr, Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP 

‘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. 

Burgons at a glance

  • Purchased by Blue Sea Food in July 2012
  • More than 100 years in the seafood business
  • Europe’s largest supplier of crab meat to the wholesale sector