Dundee MSPs Shona Robison and Joe FitzPatrick have visited a job shop set up by DC Thomson.
The Dundee publisher last month announced that it is proposing to close its gravure, sheet-fed printing production and book binding operations in the city, with the potential loss of up to 350 jobs.
A job shop, run by Penna Career Transition Specialists, has been set up at the firm’s site at Kingsway and one at its West Ward site in Guthrie Street, which is likely to close.
Linda Holden, head of DC Thomson human resources, said, “The company has engaged Penna to set up a job shop including a satellite operating at West Ward to assist employees in career transition and finding suitable alternative employment.
“The focus of the service is to assist individuals, many of whom have long and loyal service, who are undertaking a search for new employment, in many cases for the first time since leaving school.
“The service will support the preparation of CVs and interview skills training and will seek out suitable job opportunities in the area.
“Our objective is to support the redeployment of as many of our people as possible.
“A successful outcome for all will be the majority of those leaving going straight into new jobs.”
At the Kingsway site, the MSPs met elected representatives of the workforce, senior management and some of the team of Penna coaches helping employees find new work.
Ms Robison later urged employers across Dundee and beyond, looking for motivated workers with a range of skills, to get in touch with the job shop.
“There is a huge range of skills and experience available here from a very dedicated staff which would be a real asset to employers in the area,” she said.
“I would urge employers looking to get in contact.
“It is a very difficult situation facing staff but a lot of effort is going into supporting them and helping them find new jobs and opportunities.”Appreciated visitMr FitzPatrick said, “We were very impressed with the job shop, and it is good to know there has been a tremendous response from staff to it.
“People who work for DC Thomson bring with them an excellent reputation for loyalty, hard work and a good work ethos.”
Jim Cathro, one of the staff’s elected representatives, said he appreciated the MSPs’ visit.
“The Penna facility here is absolutely spot on — 10 out of 10,” he said. “It was great today to get the chance to speak to the MSPs and great that they spent so much time listening to us and giving support.”
Stuart Campbell, another elected representative, said, “It was very informative today. They (the MSPs) put themselves out to help us and that is appreciated.
“With regard to the job shop, it is fantastic.”
One of the workers affected, Mark Lingard, said, “The job shop could be a good thing to help people find jobs, especially those who have not done a CV and that kind of thing before.”
Penna regional manager Steven Ross said, “I’ve been very impressed with the way in which DC Thomson have sought to do everything possible for people who are leaving the business and also by the professionalism of those potentially impacted.
“There is a very wide range of skilled people, who are well motivated and have a great track record with a highly regarded employer. I’m very confident that we’ll be able to help people move on from this and achieve positive outcomes.”
For information contact the job shop on 01382 575872 or email linda.crease@penna.com