Workers who lost their jobs through the collapse of Munro’s of Jedburgh are expected to be taken on by firms that picked up its contracts.
Up to 30 staff have been affected by the announcement last Wednesday that the near 50-year-old bus firm has ceased trading.
Munro’s’ demise left Scottish Borders Council scrambling around for temporary replacements for the 10 public contracts it held, including Jedburgh/Kelso to Edinburgh.
The Southern revealed last month that Munro’s had lost nine of its routes from August 12 following a retendering exercise by SBC, with Berwick company Perryman’s picking up five contracts and creating 20 jobs at a new base in the St Boswells area.
An SBC spokesman said this week: “Colleagues at Skills Development Scotland (SDS) have been in touch with the administrators and have arranged to send each member of staff redundancy support advice and information, with contact details for further support from careers advisers based in Galashiels.
“If enough staff get in touch, SDS will organise a small group event for them in Jedburgh.”
In a statement on its website, Munro’s said: “Please note that with effect from 22.45 hours on Wednesday 3rd July 2013, Munro’s of Jedburgh Ltd have ceased trading and are no longer able to operate any scheduled services.
“Scottish Borders Council have made emergency arrangements to ensure that all services will continue to operate the current timetables with buses and drivers from other operators.
“We would like to thank all our passengers for their loyal support over the years.”
One ex-employee told us: “The news was not unexpected, but it is still sad for all those involved.”
Roxburghshire MSP John Lamont added: “It is a great shame to hear that Munro’s of Jedburgh has ceased operating, and it immediately throws doubt over the future of their employees.
“At short notice they have been left without a job, while many will still have to provide for their families.”
Munro’s was founded in the mid-1960s, but had its licence revoked earlier this year for loaning vehicle discs to a Dalkeith bus firm in 2011. However, it was later awarded a new licence.