Fish factory on three-day week

A company involved in the production of canned seafood has introduced a three-day working week at its Fraserburgh factory.

International Fish Canners said the measure was for six weeks and “every effort” would be made to return to normal working as soon as possible.

It blamed a drop in orders because of competition from former Eastern Bloc countries as one of the main reasons for the reduced working week.

In a statement, the company said it regretted having to move to a three-day week. Production throughout last year and the early part of this year had been maintained at previous levels for as long as possible.

A spokesman added: “Now that the main mackerel fishery is over, with our finished goods stock at an all-time high, we have no option but to cut back production to a level that matches anticipated sales demand.

“The three-day week will continue for a period of six weeks and will then be reviewed. If there is no improvement, the company may have to seek further measures.

“We have always tried to maintain a stable and steady workforce and this is the first time such action has ever had to be taken.”

He said every effort would be made to revert to normal working patterns as soon as possible.

Fraserburgh councillor Ian Tait said: “I would not like to see any redundancies.”