Disability firm into liquidation

An Aberdeen furniture factory which employs blind and disabled workers is to go into administration, it has been announced.

More than 50 "devastated" workers - including 31 with disabilities - are set to lose their job as a result.

Glencraft's board said there was no other option, blaming the city council's lack of support for a modified business plan.

However the council claimed it had tried everything to support Glencraft.

Glencraft has been in operation since 1843.

One worker told BBC Scotland: "It's a disaster that so many talented people here are going to the thrown on the scrapheap."

Some of the board of governors at Glencraft resigned to show their feelings.

Chairman Ed Gillespie said: "It could have been avoided, this is a very special place.

"With the current lack of support from the council, today's decision was inevitable."

Heather Meldrum, Scotland director of Community Union that represents workers at the factory, said: "Glencraft has a long and proud history of providing employment opportunities for blind and disabled workers - all this is now under serious threat of disappearing.

"In the coming days and weeks, Community Union will leave no stone unturned in supporting our members and seeking to provide them with a future at work."

The factory faced closure last year because of a reduction in council funding, but the local authority agreed to buy it and lease it back.

Glencraft reported record sales in January, with sales rising 34% on the same period the previous year.

Aberdeen South Labour MP Anne Begg had raised the fresh fears about the factory's future during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Glencraft
Aberdeen City Council
Community Union
Cornerstone
Scottish Politics
Equality and Human Rights Commission
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites