STAFF facing redundancy due to the closure of Havelock International, in Kirkcaldy, which employs a large number of people from the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area, are being offered additional support at a free event.

Taking place in Dean Park Hotel, Kirkcaldy on Monday August 12 from 10.30am to 2.30pm, the event will offer advice on a range of topics and will include a number of local employers with vacancies to fill.

The event is open to anyone living in the area who is looking for work and is organised by the Scottish Government’s initiative for responding to redundancy situations, Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE).

Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “Our immediate priority is the staff at Havelock International Ltd and we will do all we can to support them, their families and the wider community at this difficult time. This is a major loss for the local community and that is why we are doing all we can to support those made redundant secure alternative employment as quickly as possible.

“The Scottish Government has responded immediately by providing skills development and employability support through our Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative which aims to minimise the time those affected by redundancy are out of work.

“This event will provide Havelock staff with the opportunity to speak to local employers with vacancies, and I would encourage all those interested to take advantage of the expert advice available on the day.”

Julie Kennedy, Regional PACE Chair for SDS, said: “This event will offer a wide range of useful advice on a variety of topics for anyone who is either unemployed or facing the prospect of unemployment.

“This includes job hunting, writing CVs and interview techniques to advice on accessing training and learning.

“It also offers the chance to meet local employers with vacancies to fill, and so I’d encourage anyone looking for work to drop in and see what is available.”

The event is free to attend.