A Kirkcaldy care provider has closed suddenly amid reports staff have been told they will not be getting paid.
Employees of Paramount Care, based at Mitchelston Industrial Estate, were told in an email on Wednesday that the company would be shutting down with immediate effect and they would not be paid for shifts worked.
Paramount Care employed 18 care staff, who supported about 60 people at any one time, according to a Care Inspectorate report after the service was visited in December.
The service was graded “very good” for care and support. Meanwhile staffing and management and leadership were rated “good”.
In the email to staff, company director Ruth Smyth blamed Fife Council for the closure.
Smyth told staff: “It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you that after 19 years trading as Paramount Care Agency Limited, I am closing the doors of the company.
“Fife Council owes us a great deal of money outstanding from years ago, and are reluctant to pay up.
“I have been propping the company up financially to ensure you all get paid, but I can no longer do that.
“I would like to thank and praise you all for the work you have done over the years.
“I am really sorry I can no longer pay you for the work you do.”
Councillor David Graham, Fife Council’s spokesman for health and social care, said: “The service were made aware of the closure of Paramount Care yesterday.
“Since then the service have been working tirelessly with other providers to ensure that all service users who were previously cared for by Paramount are now being cared for at least in the short term with other providers.
“Work continues with other providers to ensure that we can continue to provide the levels of care required in the longer term.
“I want to go on record to thank the staff from the service and other providers for their excellent work in ensuring care for our most vulnerable continues in this very challenging situation for everyone involved.”
