The Fife Task Force has succeeded in securing “a positive outcome” for more than 80% of the employees who lost their jobs when the Tullis Russell paper mill at Markinch closed.
No fewer than 571 people have been able to find new employment, including self-employment, or training through the efforts of the initiative set up to minimise the impact of the job losses in 2015.
The positive outcome achievement was revealed during Fife Business Week 2016 which is currently taking place.
The task force was set up to boost economic growth and support to those affected by redundancy in the central Fife area.
With a £6m commitment from the Scottish Government, it was co-chaired by Scottish Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse and Fife Council leader David Ross.
As well as delivering practical help to the 80%, enhanced business support is being provided by Scottish Enterprise, Business Gateway Fife and Fife Council.
Across Fife, £4.8m has been invested in companies by the Scottish Investment Bank and Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) Grants.
Business Gateway advisers, directly supported by Task Force funding, worked with over 100 companies to identify areas where there is growth potential, or opportunities to achieve savings or efficiencies.
Councillor Ross said: “Members of the task force have worked tirelessly to successfully support people, businesses and communities affected by job losses in central Fife.
“The success rate of 83% of those who have been made redundant having a positive outcome is good news – 571 people have been helped to find a job, start up a business or undertake training that will help them into work.”
He added: “There is still work to do and people are still seeking support to get back into work, and this continues to be available through Opportunities Fife.”
A leadership programme targeted at business leaders in Fife-based small and medium sized enterprises has been completed by nine participants.
The scheme develops their ability to manage their organisation through times of change and uncertainty, and identify new opportunities.
Two further intakes are planned to give more businesses the opportunity to benefit from the programme.
The ambitious regeneration of Queensway Industrial Estate in Glenrothes is now underway, with the demolition of vacant buildings progressing, to unlock employment opportunities and give it a new lease of life.
The Task Force is supporting the move by supporting electric underfloor heating specialist Flexel to relocate from Queensway to the former Velux site before the end of the year in a move that will support expansion and safeguard jobs at Flexel.
Paul Wheelhouse added: “Since we established the Fife Task Force some 18 months ago it has worked hard to ensure a positive outcome for those impacted by the closure of Tullis Russell.
“We made £6m available to support the delivery of the Task Force’s action plan to help mitigate the effects on individuals, communities and businesses.”
In light of the progress , the task force agreed that no further meetings are needed and that oversight of ongoing implementation will be passed to the Fife Economy Partnership (FEP).
