More than 80 jobs at risk as Perth laundry plant to close

A Perth laundry plant has confirmed it's having to shut down due to the coronavirus crisis - with more than 80 jobs now under threat.

Fishers says its Perth base – which is in Inveralmond Industrial Estate - has been hit hard by the shutdown of Scotland's hospitality sector.

Bosses say it’s the result of the pandemic but also because the company lost its largest contract with Whitbread – which operates Premier Inn and Hub hotels.

A spokesperson said: “We confirm that Fishers has this week announced that, very regrettably, it plans to close its Perth laundry in Inveralmond Industrial Estate in the city and has initiated a 30 day consultation with the 84 staff at the plant, who have been informed that they are at risk of redundancy.

“The Perth laundry is currently mothballed following the introduction of the Coronavirus lockdown.”

They added: “Fishers is particularly focused on the hospitality sector, which has been significantly affected by the Coronavirus lockdown, with the impact likely to be felt for many months.

“As well as Coronavirus impact, Fishers has also been unsuccessful in retaining its largest contract with Whitbread (Premier Inn and Hub hotels).

“Consequently, Fishers has very regrettably decided that we must close our Perth laundry, and service our customer base from our other plants, in order to protect our business and the remaining jobs in the company during the uncertain times ahead.

“We very much regret having to take this action and we recognise the effect this will have on our Perth team, many of whom have worked for Fishers for a number of years.

“However, we believe we have no choice, given the level of uncertainty we face.”

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