Rubber firm makes more job cuts

New owners have cut more jobs at the boot makers

Dumfries Rubber Company has announced that it is to make a quarter of its remaining workforce redundant.

A consortium took over the Hunter Rubber Company after it went into administration last April, with the loss of 48 jobs.

The famous boot firm has now confirmed that 18 of its remaining 72 workers are to be made redundant.

Management have started talks with unions and said they remained "positive" about the company's future.

In a statement, managers said the move was essential to ensure the long-term viability of the company.

"The management wish to reiterate their commitment to the business and to looking for a solution which enables Hunter boots to continue being made in Scotland and sold at a profit," they said.

A consortium headed by Conservative Party treasurer Jonathan Marland took over the 150-year-old business last year.

Administrator KPMG said at the time that the deal was a "good result" for the employees and the company's creditors.